Spike Lee Slams Hollywood Diversity While Accepting Oscar at 2015 Governors

Though Lee was nominated for Best Original Screenplay for Do the Right Thing, and Best Documentary Feature for 4 Little Girls, he had never won. And, in a not-unsurprising turn of events for the outspoken director, he had a few things to say about racism and Hollywood.

But the real story of the night centered on Spike Lee. “We need to have a few serious discussion about diversity and get a few flava up in this”, the LA Times reported.

“To all the people out there who are in a position of hiring”, Lee said, “you better get smart. Because your work force should reflect what this country looks like”, he said.

“It’s easier to be president of the United States than be a black studio head”.

Spike Lee in his customized Air Jordans took the state at the Governors Awards to receive his honorary Oscar, presented by Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson and Wesley Snipes. This industry is so behind sports it’s ridiculous.

Lee, 58, had praise for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Cheryl Boone Isaacs, who has spearheaded a five-year plan to get Hollywood executives to hire a more racially diverse workforce.

“President, keep it going”, said Lee.

It’s the lack of adhering to a television schedule that allows spontaneous moments to happen, too: like when Will Smith fawned over Amy Schumer’s performance in Trainwreck only to have her reply, “I want you to be my emergency contact”.

Cate Blanchett and Laura Linney each paid tribute to Rowlands, calling her a trailblazer and inspiration.

Reynolds was recognized for her decades-long commitment to various charities, including the mental health organization she founded, the Thalians. Rowland’s son, Nick Cassavettes, who directed her in her last movie “The Notebook” in 2004, said: “First Oscar in the family”.

Isaacs opened the Governors Awards ceremony with condolences for France in the wake of the terrorist attacks. Reynolds announced Friday that she’ll be unable to attend the ceremony because of unspecified surgery and that her granddaughter will accept the award on her behalf. In a career that has spanned seven decades and included films such as “A Woman Under the Influence”, Rowlands has worked with numerous industry’s greats including her husband, filmmaker John Cassavetes.