The Unseen Maestro: Why Billy Preston’s Story Is More Than Just a Documentary
There’s something profoundly symbolic about Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It kicking off the Academy Screening Room’s lineup for the 99th Academy Awards. On the surface, it’s a documentary about a legendary musician—a man whose fingers danced across keys for The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Aretha Franklin. But if you take a step back and think about it, this film is a statement. It’s the Academy saying, ‘We’re not just celebrating the obvious stars; we’re shining a light on the architects of sound who shaped eras.’
The Timing Isn’t Accidental
What makes this particularly fascinating is the timing. The Academy has never opened its screening platform this early, and it’s no coincidence that a film about Billy Preston is leading the charge. Preston, despite his monumental contributions to music, has often been relegated to the footnotes of history. Personally, I think this early release is a deliberate move to reframe how we remember cultural icons. It’s a reminder that the people behind the scenes—the session musicians, the songwriters, the arrangers—are just as vital as the headliners.
The Dark Side of Brilliance
One thing that immediately stands out is the film’s willingness to confront Preston’s complexities. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman notes that just when you think you’re watching an ‘upbeat pop doc,’ the shadows of Preston’s life come crashing in. This isn’t just a biopic; it’s a psychological portrait. What many people don’t realize is that artists like Preston often carry the weight of their genius. The same energy that fuels their creativity can also lead to isolation, addiction, and a sense of being misunderstood. This duality is what makes the documentary so compelling—it humanizes a figure who, for decades, was seen as merely a ‘sideman.’
Paris Barclay’s Bold Debut
From my perspective, Paris Barclay’s transition from television to film is a masterstroke. Barclay, known for directing episodes of NYPD Blue and The West Wing, brings a storyteller’s eye to Preston’s life. What this really suggests is that the line between TV and film is blurring—and that’s a good thing. Television directors like Barclay are trained to extract emotional depth in short bursts, a skill that translates beautifully to documentary filmmaking. His ability to weave interviews with archival footage and Robert Glasper’s original score creates a tapestry that feels both intimate and epic.
The Oscars’ New Direction
The Academy’s decision to highlight this film also raises a deeper question: Are we entering an era where the Oscars prioritize stories over spectacle? With anticipated titles from Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve on the horizon, it’s easy to get lost in the blockbuster buzz. But by starting with Preston’s story, the Academy is signaling a shift toward narratives that challenge, provoke, and educate. In my opinion, this is a necessary evolution. The Oscars have often been criticized for favoring commercial appeal over artistic integrity. This year, it feels like they’re trying to correct course.
Why Billy Preston Matters Now
A detail that I find especially interesting is Preston’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021—15 years after his death. It’s a bittersweet reminder of how often society waits too long to celebrate its unsung heroes. Preston’s story isn’t just about music; it’s about race, identity, and the struggle for recognition in an industry that often marginalizes Black artists. His collaborations with George Harrison and Ringo Starr were groundbreaking, yet he never quite received the solo acclaim he deserved. This documentary is a corrective—a long-overdue acknowledgment of his legacy.
The Broader Implications
If you zoom out, this film is part of a larger cultural reckoning. We’re living in an age where the stories of overlooked figures are finally being told. From Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom to One Night in Miami, there’s a hunger for narratives that challenge our understanding of history. Preston’s story fits into this trend, but it also stands apart. His life wasn’t just about overcoming adversity; it was about redefining what it means to be an artist. He was a bridge between genres, a man who could play gospel with the fervor of a preacher and funk with the precision of a scientist.
Final Thoughts
As the Oscar race heats up, I’ll be watching to see how Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It fares. Personally, I think it’s a dark horse contender—a film that could surprise everyone by snagging nominations in multiple categories. But even if it doesn’t, its impact is already assured. It’s a reminder that the most important stories are often the ones we’ve overlooked. And in an industry obsessed with the new and the shiny, that’s a lesson worth repeating.
So, here’s to Billy Preston—the unseen maestro whose story is finally getting the spotlight it deserves. And here’s to the Academy for starting this season with a film that’s not just about the past, but about the future of storytelling itself.
