Moonlight's Win Sends a Much-Needed Message to Hollywood (and the Entire Country)

"To hell with dreams, I'm done with it, 'cause this is true." It might not have seemed like reality to the cast of Moonlight after they dramatically won best picture at the 89th Academy Awards, but director Barry Jenkins's words captured what the film's win means to marginalized people across the country.

Moonlight chronicles a black man as he grows up gay in Miami; it's a stunning portrayal of navigating life and love in a society that's quick to alienate people with perceived differences. But Moonlight's victory at the film industry's most prestigious award ceremony sends a powerful message to those across the country who encounter the same problems presented in the narrative: you matter. It validates the LGBTQ and black communities' unique challenges in American society while demonstrating that dreams and the struggle to attain them is not a fruitless journey for those who feel isolated.

The cast, who wore "&" pins symbolizing their support for GLAAD, also expressed their veneration for the ACLU. During his acceptance speech for best adapted screenplay, which Moonlight also won, Jenkins expressed a hopeful outlook. "All you people out there who feel like there's no mirror for you, that your life is not reflected, the Academy has your back, the ACLU has your back, we have your back," Jenkins said. "And for the next four years, we will not leave you alone, we will not forget you."

Adele Romanski, the film's producer, shared this sentiment. "I hope even more than that, that it's inspiring to people, little black boys and brown girls and other folks watching at home who feel marginalized and who take some inspiration from seeing this beautiful group of artists," she said while accepting the award for best picture.

The CEO of GLAAD, Sarah Kate Ellis, also commented on Moonlight's victory. "This sends a strong message to the film industry," Ellis said in a written statement. "It needs to embrace inclusive stories if it wants to remain competitive and relevant."

In another historic moment, Mahershala Ali won best supporting actor for his performance in Moonlight. Ali became the first Muslim actor to achieve the honor.

Given the current political climate, Moonlight's win is especially important. President Donald Trump's administration has already rolled back protections for transgender students that President Barack Obama instituted, Vice President Mike Pence attacked LGBTQ rights as Indiana's governor, and neither has prioritized the black community.

Moonlight's victory proves that despite these backward ideologies, diversity and inclusion remain core American values for most citizens. Watching Moonlight win felt like a win for humanity for the first time in a while after a string of painful losses.