Spike Lee and his family were guests of honor at this year’s Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Governors Awards in Hollywood, California. The ceremony was held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in the Hollywood and Highland Center, and presented Spike as an honorary Oscar winner.
While expressing gratitude for the award, Spike challenged Hollywood notables to practice diversity. “Everybody in here probably voted for Obama but when I go to offices, I see no black folks except for the brother man at the security who checks my name off the list as I go into the studio,” shared Lee during his acceptance speech. “We need to have some serious discussion about diversity and get some flavor up in this. This industry is so behind sports it’s ridiculous,” added the producer.
He further explained, “The United States census bureau says by the year 2043, white Americans are going to be the minority in this country. And all you people out there in the position of hiring, you better get smart because you’ll work for us. Reflect what this country looks like.”
Spike’s kids, Satchel and Jackson, watched with pride as their father received the honorary award and made his speech. The producer’s wife, Tonya Lewis, was also in attendance.
Spike Lee has been in the entertainment industry for more than thirty years. He teaches up-and-coming film students at New York University in addition to producing thought provoking movies.
Photo: Getty Images
