When the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced its nominees for the 88th annual Academy Awards, six nominations went to Spotlight, a drama about reporters from The Boston Globe who began investigating sexual abuse by priests in 2001. Their inquiry into the conduct of a single priest eventually uncovered a conspiracy involving the hierarchy of the archdiocese, law enforcement and attorneys, which allowed abuse to flourish while remaining hidden from public view. Based on actual events, the powerful film reminds us of the human toll of predatory pedophilia, and the courage required to speak the truth and hold abusive criminals accountable.
The film is nominated for Oscars in the following categories:
- Best Picture
- Actor in a Supporting Role, Mark Ruffalo
- Actress in a Supporting Role, Rachel McAdams
- Directing, Tom McCarthy
- Film Editing, Tom McArdle
- Original Screenplay, Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy
Writer-director Tom McCarthy, who wrote and directed The Visitor and The Station Agent, is a 1988 graduate of Boston College. He understands that city, under the sway of a powerful Catholic archdiocese led by its authoritarian archbishop, Bernard Cardinal Law, who eventually resigned in disgrace. The Globe reported at the time that its revelations had made Law “the central figure in a scandal of criminal abuse, denial, payoff, and coverup that resonates around the world."
Spotlight is a story that should inspire survivors of clergy abuse to come forward, for their own sake and the sake of future victims who could be subjected to the same pain if the abusers are not stopped. If you or your child has been the victim of clergy abuse, seek compassionate counsel from an experienced attorney. Call Lanier Law Group, P.A. today at (855) 757-4204 to schedule a free consultation.