Gabriel pulls out of Oscars over 65-second limit

02/13/2009 3:00 PM, AP


Peter Gabriel's minute in the Oscars spotlight will lack one important element: Peter Gabriel.

The Academy Award-nominated singer won't perform at the Feb. 22 ceremony to protest an apparently revamped presentation of best original song contenders. Gabriel says in a video on his Web site that he objects to the songs being shortened to 65 seconds apiece and made part of a medley.

"It's a bit unfortunate because the songwriters, even though they're a small part of the whole filmmaking process, we still work bloody hard and deserve a place in the ceremony as well," the 59-year-old singer said.

Gabriel is nominated alongside Thomas Newman for "Down To Earth" from "WALL-E."

The British musician says he'll still attend the Oscars, but is hoping a gospel choir will stand in for him onstage.

Organizers have warned that this year's ceremony will be full of new twists, including the way categories are presented. The academy did not immediately respond Friday to a request for comment.

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