Pharrell Williams to sing ‘Happy’ at Oscars

  • Herald News Services
  • Friday, February 7, 2014 10:02am
  • LifeGo-See-Do

LOS ANGELES — Pharrell Williams will perform at the Academy Awards, which will be telecast on March 2.

Oscar producers said the producer-performer will sing his nominated song “Happy.” There was no word on whether his Grammy Award-stealing hat would make an appearance.

Williams wrote “Happy” for “Despicable Me 2.” It’s nominated for original song along with U2’s “Ordinary Love” from “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” “Let It Go” by Idina Menzel from “Frozen” and Karen O’s “The Moon Song” from “Her.”

The 40-year-old Williams has been on quite a run with prominent roles in the recent hits “Get Lucky” and “Blurred Lines” and with four Grammy wins, including producer of the year.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

The field of nominated songs dropped from five to four last week when Bruce Broughton’s “Alone Yet Not Alone” in the movie of the same name, was taken off the list because Broughton emailed members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to draw attention to the song.

Cheryl Boone Isaacs, president of the academy, clarified the revocation.

“It’s not about a punishment,” Isaacs said, “but protecting the integrity of our voting process.”

Broughton became the first person to have his Oscar nomination revoked on ethical grounds.

“I’m dropping you a line to boldly direct your attention to entry 57,” Broughton wrote in his e-mail to 70 members of the academy’s msuic branch.

“I’m sending this note only because it is extremely unlikely that this small, independent, faith-based film will be seen by any music branch member; it’s the only way I can think of to have anyone be aware of the song.”

Isaacs said that the “key point” in the academy’s nullification of Broughton’s nomination was its violation of Rule 5.3, requiring that the credits of composer and lyricist be removed from the DVD of eligible songs sent to members of the music branch.

“The idea,” Isaacs said, “is that people are voting solely for the song and not who wrote it.” anonymity.

“He exerted undue influence,” Isaacs said, “using information that only an academy insider would have.”

“There are numerous films with limited promotional budgets,” Isaacs said. “This (“Alone Yet Not Alone”) was one that almost nobody knew.”

As to why the academy didn’t replace Broughton’s nomination with another song, Isaacs cited rule 5.7, which reads: “In the event a nominated achievement is declared ineligible by the academy, it shall not be replaced, and the category will remain with one less nomination.”

Broughton said he was simply trying to draw attention to his independent movie, e-mailing people he knew, whose addresses, he said, came from his own personal contact list, not an academy database.

“They had previews and parties and huge promotion,” Broughton said of the studio campaigns for Oscar-nominated songs from other films, which include box-office hits such as “Frozen” and “Despicable Me 2.”

“We had no budget. There’s no Oscar campaign. All there is is this really stupid e-mail that went out to about 70 people saying, ‘Please look at my song,’” Broughton said.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Steven M. Falk / The Philadelphia Inquirer / Tribune News Service
James Taylor plays Sunday and Monday at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville.
A&E Calendar

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Former Herald writer Melissa Slager’s new book was 14-year project

The 520-page historical novel “Contests of Strength” covers the 1700 earthquake and tsunami on Makah lands.

Kyle Parker paddles his canoe along the Snohomish River next to Langus Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tip to Tip: Kyle Parker begins his canoe journey across the country

The 24-year-old canoe fanatic started in Neah Bay and is making his way up the Skykomish River.

The Mukilteo Boulevard Homer on Monday, May 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Homer Hedge’: A Simpsons meme takes root in Everett — D’oh!

Homer has been lurking in the bushes on West Mukilteo Boulevard since 2023. Stop by for a selfie.

Ellis Johnson, 16, left, and brother Garrett Johnson, 13, take a breather after trying to find enough water to skim board on without sinking into the sand during opening day of Jetty Island on Friday, July 5, 2019 in Everett, Wash. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Epic ways to spice up your summer

Your ultimate guide to adventure, fun and reader-approved favorites!

Sarah and Cole Rinehardt, owners of In The Shadow Brewing, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In The Shadow Brewing: From backyard brews to downtown cheers

Everything seems to have fallen into place at the new taproom location in downtown Arlington

Swedish-made XC90 Designed For All Seasons
2025 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Ultra – The Best Gets Better

Swedish Luxury Hybrid SUV Includes All-Electric Miles

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV, shown here in the European version (Provided by Mercedes-Benz).
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e PHEV has a 54-mile range

The plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV goes a class-leading distance in full electric mode.

RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Provides 39 MPG And 566-Mile Range

Versatile And Functional Compact SUV A Family Pleaser

Auston James / Village Theatre
“Jersey Boys” plays at Village Theatre in Everett through May 25.
A&E Calendar for May 15

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Photo provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
Subaru Adds Bronze And Onyx Trims to 2025 Ascent

Three-Row Family SUV Delivers Equal Parts Safety And Comfort

Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.
A&E Calendar for May 8

Send calendar submissions to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your item is seen by… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.