Why Spotlight should win best picture at the 2016 Oscars

Each day before the Academy Awards ceremony on 28 February, one of our critics cheerleads for one of the best picture Oscar nominees.
Here, Andrew Pulver makes the case for Spotlight, the true story of the Boston Globe’s investigation that exposed cases of widespread and systemic child sex abuse by Roman Catholic priests.

The Guardian on YouTube:

[DoanYuSi]

"Go small to go big." I wholeheartedly agree this should win. The story of Spotlight touches deeply on organized religion, blind faith, morality, child protection and criminality, privilege and secrecy. These questions continue to plague all of us, whether Catholics or not. Well-balanced in all its performances and one of the best reflections of journalism on film, I found it riveting from start to end. In fact, I didn't want it to end. The film couldn't cover the full fallout from the investigative pieces, either. Walter "Robbie" Robinson played by Michael Keaton, in a CBC radio interview, spoke of the extensive global reach of the investigations, as survivors of all ages, from around the world contacted the Boston Globe with heartrending stories. Although exposed, he questioned whether the Church is still cleaning house of a "forgivable sin" when 50% of clergy do not keep the vow of celebacy. How all journalists "missed" the big story, years ago when it was alleged that 20 priests were connected to reports of sexual abuse of children in Boston, remains a question Mr. Robinson admits is unanswered. Perhaps it is more related to conditioned beliefs we fail to question. With such important investigative journalism springing from a single incident of a priest in Boston, to worldwide, Spotlight underlines the need for the craft of journalism. Yet, as we face huge structural changes in media, it also opens the question of how such extensive research and investigation can survive to uncover the next big story. From a field of contenders also highlighting big moral questions, I think this one asks a profound question - who ARE we, really?

[moondreamer]

And you were right! So happy Spotlight won.

[mariaashot]

TOTALLY! Thank you, Guardian Culture!

[larrydirtybird]

GOOD PREDICTION! And after having gone the whole night winning only one award and losing for Best Director, its Best Picture win was a real surprise. Maybe we Yanks should consult with you Brits more in future Oscar betting!