Spike Lee took home his first Academy Award on Sunday night for the “Blackkklansman” screenplay, and he used his time on stage to both pay tribute to the past and look forward toward the next presidential election.
Lee opened his first Oscars acceptance speech by noting that he was collecting his award during Black History Month, some 400 years after slaves were brought over from Africa. Lee then shared a personal story, honoring his grandmother.
“My grandmother, who lived to be 100 years young,” Lee said. “Who lived to be a Spelman College graduate even though her mother was a slave. My grandma, who saved 50 years of social security checks to put her first grandchild — she called me Spikey-Poo — she put me through Morehouse College and NYU grad [school].”
Lee had been nominated once before, at the 1990 Oscars for the “Do the Right Thing” screenplay, but the director had never before taken home a competitive Academy Award. He won an Academy Honorary Award in 2015 for his contribution to film. The announcement of his victory on Sunday night was met with an exuberant gasp from presenter Samuel L. Jackson and a prolonged standing ovation from the crowd.
“Before the world tonight, I give praise to our ancestors who helped build this country,” Lee said in his speech. “If we all connect with our ancestors, we will have love, wisdom and we will regain our humanity. It will be a powerful moment.”
Lee ended his speech with a call to action, noting that the next presidential election season is already underway. Though he never explicitly referenced the current president by name, Lee called on listeners to make the “moral” choice when casting their ballots next year.
“The 2020 election is right around the corner,” he said. “Let’s all mobilize, let’s all be on the right side of history. Make the moral choice between love vs. hate.”
“Let’s do the right thing,” he concluded. “You know I had to get it in there.”
Oscars Red Carpet: Jason Momoa, Billy Porter and Other Guys Push the Fashion Envelope (Photos)
Men weren't all about the standard-issue black tuxedos and silk lapels at the Oscars this year. Instead, we got a lot more eye-catching looks.
Billy Porter
The "Pose" star donned a velvet tuxedo gown by Christian Siriano, and is one of the most-talked-about looks of the evening so far. Will he be topped?
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Stephan James
The "If Beale Street Could Talk" star wore a red velvet tuxedo with a red bow tie and a brooch. Eye-catching!
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Spike Lee
The director, who is nominated for directing, producing and co-writing the drama "BlacKkKlansman," threw it back to "Do the Right Thing," and donned a purple ensemble with rings saying "LOVE" and "HATE."
Adam Lambert
Lambert will be performing alongside Queen during the show, but he had fans talking way ahead of showtime in his tuxedo paired with exaggerated large french cuffs (sans cuff links), no tie or bow tie, and an orchid brooch. His earrings made quite the statement as well.
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Questlove
The musician took on a more casual look this evening and opted for some color pops of red with a patterned shirt and a red necklace under his black suit.
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Richard E. Grant
A supporting actor nominee for "Can You Ever Forgive Me," Richard E. Grant sported a dark red jacket with grey lapels, grey vest and a black bow tie.
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Juicy J
Talk about a statement jacket! Juicy J donned a zebra-print jacket with black lapels on the red carpet.
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Henry Golding
"Crazy Rich Asians" star Henry Golding sported a white vest and accessorized with a pocket watch chain. Looking sharp!
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Chadwick Boseman
"Black Panther" headliner sported an elegant ensemble straight out of Wakanda.
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Jason Momoa
"Aquaman" star Jason Momoa arrived with Lisa Bonet and looking like Atlantean royalty in a suit that Karl Lagerfeld personally designed for him before his death last week.
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Tommy Hilfiger
The designer's ensemble was probably one of the loudest of the night, with different colors and flannel prints all over the place... paired with marijuana loafers.
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Oscars 2019: This year the men are wearing some of the night’s daring looks
Men weren't all about the standard-issue black tuxedos and silk lapels at the Oscars this year. Instead, we got a lot more eye-catching looks.