“Spotlight” took the top prize and only one other at Sunday’s Oscar ceremony, but the film’s producers weren’t complaining backstage at the Dolby Theatre.
Co-producer Blye Pagon Faust said the film gave her and the rest of the production team an insight to the importance of print media.
“I always knew they were important, but this made me realize how important they are,” she said. “I hope that you as journalists will help resonate the message.”
The film about the Boston Globe’s unveiling of Catholic priests’ sexual abuse of children and the the cover-up of the crimes received six nominations, winning best picture and for the original screenplay penned by director Tom McCarthy and Josh Singer.
Co-producer Michael Sugar gave credit to McCarthy and Singer for making a revolting case tenable to the viewing public.
“Tom and Josh wrote a story that was subtle,” Sugar said. “They hit a very small bullseye.”
“Spotlight” was nominated this year for best picture, best director, best supporting actress, best supporting actor, best original screenplay and best editing.
It’s the first film since 1952’s “The Greatest Show On Earth” to win the Best Picture category and only one other award.
“This film gave a voice to survivors, and this Oscar amplifies that voice which we hope will become a choir that will resonate all the way to the Vatican,” Sugar said on stage while accepting the best picture Oscar. “Pope Francis, it is time to protect the children and restore the faith.”
