Academy Awards organizers have drawn the ire of the Latin American film community for asking Antonio Banderas and Carlos Santana to perform the Oscar-nominated song in stead of its singer, Jorge Drexler.

"Mask of Zorro" star Banderas and "Smooth" guitarist Santana were asked to present the song from "The Motorcycle Diaries" during the ceremony, reported the New York Post.

The song, "Al Otro Lado del Rio" (To the Other Side of the River), by Uruguayan singer Drexler is nominated for a 'Best Original Song' award, the first time a song in Spanish has ever been so honoured.

But the community has blasted the Oscar producers for nixing the "brilliant" even if little-known singer in favour of big-name stars who had nothing to do with the project.

The movie's Brazilian director, Walter Salles, too has added his name in an angry petition, circulated among Latin American film industry members, saying the Oscar decision was made without first consulting the artist.