Directed by Tom McCarthy, the widely acclaimed movie is set in 2001 when the journalists of Spotlight team began digging into the scandal and eventually exposed how Boston archdiocese covered up the sexual abuse of children by priests.
The work of the team earned newspaper The Boston Globe the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.
"Thank you. This film gave a voice to the survivors and the Oscar amplifies that voice which we hope will resonate all the way to the Vatican..," producer Michael Sugar said in his acceptance speech.
The movie's co-producer Blye Pagon Faust dedicated the award to investigative reporters across the world.
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"We would not be here today without the heroic efforts of our reporters. Not only do they effect global change, but they absolutely show us the necessity for investigative journalism," she said.
The film had a brilliant ensemble cast boasting of Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci, Brian d'Arcy James, Liev Schreiber, and Billy Crudup.
Co-producer Nicole Rocklin thanked the cast for turning up with a great performance. "... If there ever was a perfectly calibrated ensemble, you are it."
The director, in his acceptance speech for best original screenplay, acknowledged the role of journalists in bringing out stories that matter.
"We made this film for all the journalists who have and continue to hold the powerful accountable and for the survivors whose courage and will to overcome is really an inspiration to all. We have to do, make sure this never happens again," McCarthy said.