McCarthy and “Spotlight” co-writer Josh Singer prepared for writing the movie by interviewing every journalist who contributed to the Boston Globe’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 2001 investigation into priests sexually abusing children. Last month, the actor discussed the topic with Pope Francis.
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Hollywood’s diversity crisis has loomed large over awards season and the big question going into the 88th annual Academy Awards was whether it would dominate the ceremony, too.
Chris Rock wanted to “solve the problem” of Hollywood’s lack of diversity by visiting his local cinema. It’s like: ‘We like you Rhonda, but you’re not a Kappa, ‘ ” Rock said in his opening monologue.
Rock showed off a filmed excursion to a theater in Los Angeles’ predominantly black Compton neighborhood to ask patrons what they thought of the #OscarsSoWhite controversy.
The presentation was a stark contrast to the ceremony’s traditional focus: a celebration of the year’s best cinematic achievements.
The biggest victor on the night was “Mad Max: Fury Road” sweeping with 6 Oscars on the night including for Sound, Sound Mixing, Hair and Makeup, Production, Film Editing and Costume Design.
The other biggest victor was The Revenant for which Best Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio. Leonardo DiCaprio, accepting his first Oscar for Best Actor, took the opportunity to warn his audience that climate change is “the most urgent threat facing our entire species”, urging them to “work together and stop procrastinating”.
First-time nominee Brie Larson picked up a widely predicted best actress statuette, having dominated the awards season with her performance as a kidnapped mother in “Room“.
Rylance won for his portrayal of real-life Soviet spy Rudolf Abel in Steven Spielberg’s Cold War thriller “Bridge of Spies“. Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy won best documentary short for her film about honour killings, “A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness”. When it comes to Asians in Hollywood, invisibility is pretty much expected. They earned more than $65,000 in cookie sales at the Oscars, apparently.
“There’s talent out there of all races”, said one man, to applause from the live audience. Plus, it was introduced by none other than VP (and America’s favorite uncle) Joe Biden. Lady Gaga performed her song “Til It Happens To You” joined onstage by dozens of sexual assault survivors.
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Recording artist Sam Smith spoke up for LGBTQ performers at the Oscars.
