Spike Lee and Lessons From Drake…
Spike Lee finally won an Oscar at the 91st Academy Awards. Long time coming and well deserved. His film, BlacKkKlannsman, landed three nominations and Best Adapted Screenplay proved to be the winner. I must admit, I was somewhat shocked to see his jubilant reaction to winning his first Oscar. Maybe Barbra Streisand’s introduction, and Samuel L. Jackson, who appeared in some of Lee’s first movies, presenting the actual award contributed to the adulation and overflowing of emotions that overcame him when he realized he had won. But after watching him celebrate, dance, and jump-hug Sam Jackson, I couldn’t help but think about Drake’s acceptance speech at the Grammy’s just weeks previous when he won for Best Rap Song…
“If there’s people who have regular jobs who are coming out in the rain, in the snow, spending their hard earned money to buy tickets to come to your shows, you don’t need this right here, I promise you that. You already won.” – Drake
“You don’t need this right here… you already won.”
Of course, he was referring to his Grammy award. Whether he won or lost, it’s safe to say Drake was going to be ok. His message to up and coming artists was that you essentially don’t need this award, or any award for that matter, to validate your success or greatness… you’ve already won. When you factor in valid critiques of racism regarding Hollywood’s unwillingness to recognize African-American artists on stage and talent in front of and behind the camera, Drake’s comments truly hit home. Ironically, his mic was cut shortly thereafter and we couldn’t hear the rest of this speech.
So while I’m happy for Spike, deep down I wish he would’ve given a similar speech as Drake and kept his composure. As someone who’s been very outspoken about social justice, institutional racism and equity in Hollywood, his reaction screamed finally accepted… recognition that I belong. Such a response gives too much power to the Academy and institution which has failed over and over to recognize his talent and the talent of others who look like him. Why not take a Drake approach… because before people were coming out in the rain and spending their hard earned money to see Drake, they were doing it for Spike.
Do the Right Thing, Jungle Fever, Malcolm X, He Got Game, Inside Man, Love and Basketball… the list is long.
Spike has been winning for a long time… whether he knows it or not. We’re not here to judge Spike, but future Spike Lee’s of all ages, races, and cultures, watched his acceptance speech. We just hope they realize their greatness and power long before receiving an award that might not come for 30 years… 30 years after their fans have already recognized their talent and deemed them great.