The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revoked the song "Alone yet not alone" from the film of the same name, from its nomination for best original song.
The composer of the song Bruce Broughton, who is a former governor and current music branch executive committee member, e-mailed individuals to promote the song during the nominations voting period, reports contactmusic.com.
The song will now not be eligible to enter the ballot when final voting takes place Feb 14, said a press release on the official site of Academy Awards.
"No matter how well-intentioned the communication, using one's position as a former governor and current executive committee member to personally promote one's own Oscar submission creates the appearance of an unfair advantage," said Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Academy President.
Following the decision of the Academy, Broughton released a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
"I'm devastated. I got taken down by competition that had months of promotion and advertising behind them. I simply asked people to find the song and consider it," the statement read.
The song is from a faith-based independent film, starring Kelly Greyson, Natalie Racoosin and Jen Gotzon, that depicts 18th Century colonists attempting to survive in the Ohio Valley.