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Spike Lee made history last night by winning his first Academy Award after 40 years of film production and directorial work, and used his big win to address the political state of America.
The 62-year-old Hollywood staple was elated to hear the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences chose to honor his most recent film, BlacKkKlansman, so much so that he (literally) jumped in the arms of colleague and good friend Samuel L. Jackson to celebrate.
Lee walked towards the stage to a standing ovation as he readied to accept the film’s award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
With the coveted gold-plated figure in hand, Lee thanked his grandmother for her unconditional support, and shouted out his alma mater – Morehouse College. He went on to address how the country should get through the 2020 presidential election with “love versus hate.”
“If we all connect with our ancestors, we will have love, wisdom, and regain our humanity. It will be a powerful moment. The 2020 presidential election is around the corner.”
He wrapped the speech by giving a much-deserved nod to his 1989 film depicting racial tensions, hate, and bigotry on a summer day in Brooklyn.
“Let’s all mobilize. Let’s all be on the right side of history. Make the moral choice between love versus hate. Let’s do the right thing! (You know I had to get that in there.)”