Oscar: The New Song Rules Explained

Good intentions -- songs shouldn't just appear in a movie as a snippet but actually be used in a meaningful way -- frustrated by poor execution and odd restrictions. For one, a song is eligible if a song plays at the beginning of the end credits, but not if it's second. (Which explains why that Rufus Wainwright song "The Maker Makes" from Brokeback Mountain wasn't eligible after they rejected Emmylou Harris's "A Love That Will Never Grow Old.") Another revelation? Only one "screening" of eligible songs and how they're used in a movie is held and only in LA. Gee, no wonder there's an East Coast/West Coast rivalry. Variety explains.