Spike Lee, the iconic filmmaker behind critically acclaimed works like Do The Right Thing and BlacKKKlansman, has never shied away from expressing his thoughts on Hollywood and its gatekeeping institutions. His commentary on the Academy Awards, especially its history of snubs, has sparked discussions about systemic issues in the film industry.
Speaking on The Realest Podcast Ever, Lee touched on his long-standing grievances with the Oscars. He highlighted the contentious 2019 awards season, where his movie BlacKKKlansman lost Best Picture to Green Book. This moment, Lee explained, felt like a haunting reminder of a prior injustice: the 1990 Oscars, when Driving Miss Daisy triumphed and his seminal film Do The Right Thing failed to secure a nomination.
“No one's watching mothaf***ing Driving Miss Daisy,” Lee said, pointing to what he perceives as the Academy's pattern of rewarding films that center narratives of racial reconciliation from a white perspective. He likened Green Book to Driving Miss Daisy, calling it another “white savior” film. Green Book drew similar criticisms from many, including the NAACP, which supported Lee's stance.
The “Green Book” Backlash
Green Book, directed by Peter Farrelly, tells the story of the friendship between African-American pianist Dr. Don Shirley and his Italian-American driver Tony Lip during a concert tour in the segregated South. While it garnered widespread praise, including an 8.2 IMDb rating, it was also criticized as a “magical negro” movie — a term used to describe films where Black characters exist primarily to aid the personal growth of white characters.
In response to these criticisms, Green Book star Viggo Mortensen defended the film, calling accusations of racism “unfair” and “dangerous.” Despite Mortensen's efforts, the movie remained divisive, especially when compared to more nuanced portrayals of racial dynamics like BlacKKKlansman.
Spike Lee's Reaction
At the 2019 Oscars, Lee made headlines not just for his purple suit honoring Prince but for his visceral reaction to Green Book's Best Picture win. Reports described Lee as visibly furious, pacing the aisles and briefly leaving the auditorium. When he returned, he turned his back on Farrelly's acceptance speech in protest.
After the ceremony, Lee quipped, “Whether this film won Best Picture or not, we're on the right side of history.” His pointed remarks extended beyond the moment, criticizing Academy voters resistant to diversity reforms and suggesting they likely supported films like Driving Miss Daisy and Green Book.
Looking Back at the 2019 Oscars
That year's Best Picture race was fierce, with nominees including Alfonso Cuarón's ROMA, Yorgos Lanthimos's The Favourite, and Ryan Coogler's groundbreaking Black Panther. While BlacKKKlansman won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, Lee's frustration underscored the broader debate about how the Academy evaluates films with racial themes.
My Impressions:
Spike Lee's grievances with the Oscars reflect a valid critique of Hollywood's storytelling preferences. BlacKKKlansman, with its sharp humor and incisive commentary on racism, stood out as a bold contender in 2019. However, the Academy's decision to reward Green Book, a safer and arguably dated take on racial reconciliation, reveals its hesitancy to embrace challenging narratives.
While Green Book has its merits, Lee's point about its place in history resonates. Films like Do The Right Thing and BlacKKKlansman provoke deeper discussions, leaving lasting impressions. The Academy must reckon with its history to truly honor diverse stories.
Do you think Spike Lee's criticisms highlight a larger issue with how the Academy evaluates films on race? Share your thoughts below!
