Oscar Winner Justin Paul Thanks Westport Education and Arts Communities In 'La La Land' Song Victory

WESTPORT, CT — Justin Paul, a former Westport resident and 2003 graduate of Staples High School, won an Oscar Award for Best Song during Sunday night's Academy Awards ceremony, and he thanked Westport's education and arts communities in his speech.

Paul shared the award for the song "City of Stars," from the film "La La Land," with fellow lyricist Benj Pasek and composer Justin Hurwitz, and Hurwitz's score from the film also won an Oscar.

"I was educated in public schools where arts and culture were valued and recognized and a resource," said Paul. "I am so grateful to all my teachers who taught so much and gave so much to us."

The heavily nominated musical, unfortunately, was part of a mistake at the end of the ceremony when it was erroneously named Best Picture, before "Moonlight" was correctly given the award.

Photo: "La La Land." Photo credit: Dale Robinette/Lionsgate