Oscars 2020: Barack and Michelle Obama's first Netflix project American Factory wins Academy Award

It is the first project produced by their Higher Ground production outfit, and was released on Netflix

David Maclean
New York
Sunday 09 February 2020 23:25 EST
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Oscars 2020: American Factory supported by Obamas and Netflix win documentary category

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Barack and Michelle Obama have tweeted their congratulations to the crew of Oscar-winning documentary American Factory - which was created by the couple’s production company.

The film is about the opening of a Dayton, Ohio manufacturing plant by a Chinese billionaire, and the culture clash that ensues.

It is the first project produced by their Higher Ground production outfit, and was released on Netflix.

Co-creator Julia Reichert said: "Working people have it harder and harder these days, and we believe that things will get better when workers of the world unite."

Mr Obama tweeted: "Congrats to Julia and Steven, the filmmakers behind American Factory, for telling such a complex, moving story about the very human consequences of wrenching economic change.

"Glad to see two talented and downright good people take home the Oscar for Higher Ground’s first release."

Mrs Obama wrote: "Congrats to Julia, Steven, and the whole crew on winning Best Documentary for American Factory, Higher Ground’s first release.

"So glad to see their heart and honesty recognised—because the best stories are rarely tidy or perfect. But that’s where the truth so often lies."

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