Based on the real Katharine "Kay" Graham. Streep's portrayal captures her evolution from society hostess to a decisive newspaper publisher during the Pentagon Papers crisis, navigating a male-dominated world, generally aligning with historical accounts and Graham's memoir.

Based on the real Ben Bradlee. Hanks portrays his charismatic, hard-driving personality and his journalistic determination to publish the Pentagon Papers, consistent with historical accounts and Bradlee's persona.

Based on the real Ben Bagdikian. Odenkirk portrays his crucial role in obtaining the Pentagon Papers document from Daniel Ellsberg, a key historical event accurately depicted.

Based on the real Daniel Ellsberg who leaked the Pentagon Papers. His actions initiating the events are accurately represented, though his character has limited screen time.

Based on the real Robert McNamara. His conversations with Graham, reflecting their complex relationship and his connection to the origins of the Pentagon Papers study, are depicted, though specific dialogues are likely dramatized.

Represents the cautious legal and business advisors on the Post's board, concerned about the legal and financial risks of publishing. Likely a composite or representative figure rather than a specific, single individual with this exact role/name.

The film accurately depicts the action of military analyst Daniel Ellsberg leaking the classified study on the Vietnam War's history.

The NYT did publish initial articles based on the Pentagon Papers in June 1971, accurately shown as preceding the Post's involvement.

The government successfully obtained a court order temporarily stopping the NYT from publishing further articles based on the classified documents, a key event depicted accurately.

Bagdikian did track down Ellsberg and acquire a large portion of the Pentagon Papers for the Washington Post after the NYT was enjoined, a crucial and accurately portrayed part of the story.

There was intense debate within the Post involving journalists, lawyers, and business advisors about the risks (legal jeopardy, financial impact on IPO) versus the journalistic duty of publishing. The film captures this tension well.

Graham, despite intense pressure from advisors and facing significant personal and financial risk (especially with the company about to go public), made the final, courageous decision to publish the papers.

The Post did publish its first article based on the Pentagon Papers shortly after the NYT was enjoined, defying the potential legal consequences.

The Nixon administration also sought and obtained a temporary restraining order against the Washington Post to stop further publication.

The legal battle rapidly escalated to the Supreme Court, combining the cases against the NYT and the Post.

The Court ruled that the government had not met the heavy burden required to justify prior restraint, allowing both papers to resume publication. The film accurately depicts this landmark victory for press freedom.

The film effectively portrays the challenges and sexism Graham faced as a female leader in the male-dominated worlds of publishing, business, and Washington society in the 1970s.

Accurately reflects the competitive dynamic and the Post's desire under Bradlee and Graham to elevate its national standing to match that of the established New York Times.

Shows the physical process of newspaper production in the era before digital technology, including hot metal typesetting and large printing presses, adding to the period authenticity.

Graham and McNamara had a long-standing, complex friendship. The film depicts conversations reflecting this relationship and McNamara's awkward position regarding the papers he commissioned, though specific dialogues are dramatized.

The final scene showing the Watergate break-in accurately foreshadows the next major journalistic challenge for the Washington Post.

The film effectively recreates the atmosphere and key locations (newsrooms, homes, government buildings, courts) pertinent to the story in Washington D.C. and New York City in 1971.

Captures the busy, smoky, deadline-driven environment of a major newspaper newsroom in the 1970s, including the technology (typewriters, phones) and general layout.

Briefly depicted, showing a similar large-scale news operation, establishing the Post's main competitor.

The scenes showing the large, noisy printing presses and the physical process of producing the newspaper are visually accurate for the era of hot metal typesetting and offset printing.

Costumes, hairstyles, and accessories accurately reflect the fashions of the early 1970s for professionals, society figures, and government officials.

Accurately portrays the office technology used before widespread computerization, including manual typewriters, rotary phones, wire copy machines, etc.

Conveys the political tension surrounding the Vietnam War, government secrecy, and the high stakes involved in the clash between the press and the Nixon administration over the right to publish.

Represents the affluent social world Katharine Graham inhabited, contrasting with the gritty newsroom environment and highlighting the different pressures she faced.