Spike Lee receives an Honorary Award at the 2015 Governors Awards

Spike Lee receives an Honorary Award at the 2015 Governors Awards in the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland in Hollywood, CA, Saturday, November 14.

[@pursuingancientpaths8131]

Seeing Malcolm X in the theater when I was in 8th grade opened my eyes as a young white girl to a whole part of American history that I subsequently became passionate about. It also sparked my love for film. I was always be grateful to Lee for those gifts.

[@justin33.44]

Pursuing Ancient Paths damn. This comment is great. Glad you said this. 👍

[@mynameisirrelevant46]

Great comment...I'm a blk guy from the bronx

[@charleshenry8194]

Malcolm X is such a great film and Denzel was awesome in that film. Definitely should have been a best film, best director and best actor award for that movie.

[@JeremyForest]

Long overdue for Spike to receive an Academy Award! It is about damn time! I enjoy his films.

[@victorkong82]

That was the realest Oscar acceptance speech I've ever seen. So glad it was at the Governors Awards instead of the regular Oscars.

[@TheOneThatGotAwayRMAPLS]

I agree

[@MisterFoxx]

I wish it was the Oscars because it would've gotten more exposure.

[@victorkong82]

D. Foxx they would've cut him off at two minutes

[@MisterFoxx]

***** that's true

[@klausweasley]

+Victor Kong I would say this is the upside of having the Governors Awards separate from the Oscar ceremony. No limits on the acceptance speeches.

[@wjones8149]

This is a beautiful moment. I love how they came out and just they didn't play Hollywood, they didn't play politically correct, they played three, conscious, creative and exceptional black men who were there to honor their friend and each other, really. They came for love, honor and laughter but they did it with such seriousness. They came to tell the truth.

[@wjones8149]

And just to be clear, when I say they didn't play Hollywood, I mean they didn't come to bullshit. And when I say they played men, I just mean they were being themselves and elevating truth.

[@mandem010]

Not even lying

[@Nava5ha7]

That was one of the BEST acceptance speeches I've ever heard. Spike came with it. Total LOVE. From the actors to the fans.

[@MrAwsomeness45]

I can never forget Malcolm X. It is one of the finest films i've ever seen. It made me a Denzel fan and I started watching more of Spike's films. An amazing director no doubt.

[@nettecorvette]

Thank you Spike Lee my husband is a teamster in the TV and film industry thanks to you.

[@preciousbabydoll9793]

Here we have four of the most talented , handsome and intelligent black men on earth.

[@vinceniederman3235]

Spike Lee is 2nd Film Director Even Though He's a NY Knicks and NY Yankees Fan I've Seen His Movies Do The Right Thing Jungle Fever Malcolm X He Got Game Summer Of Sam Inside Man!

[@keepondjw]

Denzel freeman Jackson snipes are top notch....and I like pachino Deniro Pesci Eastwood

[@koolinwitk1789]

Michael Lawrence thank you for that comment...

[@baboom007]

Was it necessary to put the word black?

[@ldmase]

@Esireyewun Sanni - Lol just like a Nigerian, I'm not going to say all Nigerians speak the way you just spoke because they don't, my wife is Nigerian and I've also lived in Nigeria so i can make a comment on your comment because it showed your ignorance. Most Americans have not visited Nigeria so they wouldn't know but this BayArea California City Boy has, I didn't grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth. But this isn't about me it's about your comment, this is what I have to explain to my wife sometimes when we aa Americans make comments, because the woman who said the most intelligent black men, she didn't mean that Literally, but you took it as that based on your comments. Nigeria is struggling over there and I'm not going to go in on you, but I'm going to wait for you to clarify your comment. What did you really mean and why did you have to say I'm Nigerian

[@leahh4946]

REAL talk, long overdue Spike, Congrats!!!

[@LynneJordan11]

Loved hearing his backstory! Loved hearing about grandma backing his early films. Love the movies!

[@vinceniederman3235]

Me Too I Love Spike Lee No Matter What Movies He Has Made Over The Years!

[@sandybeaches9321]

THIS SPEECH WAS NOT LONG, I COULD LISTEN TO THIS SPEECH OVER AND OVER. A LOT OF LIFE'S LESSONS IN THIS SPEECH.

[@germainesomething6138]

I Love Spike Lee .I NOW know y he fights so hard for his BLACKness and im greatful for his grandmother who believe in him and love of LIFE was given in his FAMILY passed on from generations .spike never forgot the love was taught and now given to you and me stranger's who is still learning. What BLACK ness. And proud is all ABOUT.Thank GOD for giving birth to greatness

[@FULLPLUS]

I know that speech made alot of em Uncomfortable.fake smile in everything. Spike laying that truth down .good work spike

[@ggseanc]

I finally see what made Spike Lee the great man and great director, producer and teacher he has become. His Grandmother was a great woman she sacrificed everything for her grandkids and that shouldn't just be a footnote it should be praised and honored. And what Spike Lee did for African Americans in the industry should be look at as phenomenal and awe inspiring and he should be recognized as a pioneer and a difference maker and one of the greatest Americans to ever live. Also people don't realize that Spike Lee was the one who made the Air Jordan an iconic shoe with his Mars character and created Michael Jordan money making persona outside of Basketball and in his earlier years he directed the video of the Hall Of Fame Iconic Hip Hop song The Message by Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel and the Furious Five.So Spike greatness was in him from day one and thank God he wasn't one of those selfish brothers who made it and was satisfied with his own success but instead reached down and pulled as many people up with him as he could and if every successful black person can open the door for the next one this world would be a much better place. Peace!!!!!!!!!

[@jackierave]

So very deserving.. lovely speech.. so kind of him to remember who helped him along the way.. very cool.. :)

[@librasmith9894]

I just got educated by Spike Lee and it feels good 🙂.

[@kurtadams3021]

Libra Smith yes indeed

[@FlintWilson]

I need a movie spike, throwing it out in the universe. Everybody on that stage, man... one time for the culture✊🏿 #Genius

[@Sabreeus]

Yes congratulation Spike you deserve this it was a very ;long time. Peace and Love!

[@kevinplan3812]

Get It Spike....so authentic...HE TOLD Y'ALL; don't be mad, EAT IT.

[@iantawashington-allotey9913]

Love Spike. No one is more deserving. Great Motivational speech. Incredible grandmother and family.

[@DrSonus]

worth it to stick around and hear what he has to say - grandmother saved social security checks for 50 years to put her 1st born grandchild through school and film school.Lesson: Work your butt off and attack, attack , attack your goals

[@keithreid8273]

DrSonus must have vision a lack of vision and a nation perishes never give up

[@gioia-sairahpetrolino8445]

The 40 acres and a mule crew.

[@eb-xe8zw]

Wow...Spike has a heavy New York accent. And "D" you said it the best....Nothing Changed".

[@kurtadams3021]

eb4572 sad but true

[@milesallgood8113]

Spike always keeps it real.

[@islamicchronicles5381]

THANK YOU SPIKE LEE AND THE PERSON WHO DOWNLOADED THIS EVENT

[@joycelynbellamy7949]

Yes

[@chinouyamale]

13:42...TRUTH!!! I wish more people thought like this!

[@capoislamort100]

Love you, my Brooklyn brother Spike Lee

[@thulimasasa8119]

capoislamort100 your picture ✊ powerful

[@mr.miz.217]

Mr Spike... We know what you are and we thank you and love you!

[@ColaBling]

I've heard little anecdotes about Spike Lee from British industry proefessionals and watching this means his Black pride and loyalty towards the Black artist is very true. 13.33 is the best visuals, so sweet.

[@Quest4Apath]

Blessings to all those Gentlemen. They all put that work in.

[@jpreddy3665]

So true ..you really have to be 10x better to be considered good. But you have to be mindful about those mediocre majority who know you're well beyond them.

[@germainesomething6138]

Think about it his long speech he made was free a white man. Would have charged you and you would have been glade to pay

[@ultratalented2416]

Humble and Inspirational

[@afifsalim5533]

I dont know how it feels to be look upon by Denzel, Sam.L.Jackson and Wesley like that.

[@tomswill9189]

Long over due. Black is beautiful

[@MelquanKatz]

Always great to hear the truth. Congrats spike!

[@matthewconner463]

Hail to SPIKE LEE💯 Congratulations ✊🏾

[@alassaneilboudo2297]

dear friends I am so happy to see black community in the award thanks for what you doing God bless you alassane Ilboudo from West Africa

[@MrJacksonvill]

I was raised in Brooklyn and to see how Spike raised his stakes in life is an incentive about what you can achieve when you put your mind to it..people get his message of pride all wrong..his attempts to talk race in America has been misconstrued. Spike is a template of many people before him.When he utters the words gentrification ,he means wake and get involved in your neighborhoods. He mentions things from the average POV for people to wake up.What I enamour about him is his audacity to be himself.That this life is all about..staying true to yourself..When he mentions that you have to excell more than most is true..that also was instilled in myself.Thats not a message its the truth..but thats ok,because our privelages are not given to us,you have to earn it so that its worth it. Thats the inentive behind the success of Mr.Spike Lee. Blessings to himself and his family.

[@ModernOak]

+Garfield Harrison I really like this - thankyou for the comment and post! :) nailed it

[@victoriousvic2733]

And I've lived in Brooklyn for 34 years, since I was 14! I disagree with you, Gentification is a bunch of Wealthy White "Hipsters" who bought out much of the Bed Stye, Brownsville, Crown Hights and with DeBlasio's Curruption rezoned East New York! And many, many of our people lost their homes

[@JBAuthentic1]

"Attack Attack Attack", u gota work at the dream every day!

[@SuperKing604]

I love the awkward silences

[@adrianrufus9320]

SuperKing604 yesss

[@kalyssaa7511]

Beautiful speech!!

[@swacfan100]

Spike BUMRUSHED the show with his speech. Truthful AND Inspiring. #DoTheRightThingAlways

[@charlotteclark6061]

What a great speech, what a wonderful grandma! That's wonderful! What a wonderful man, here's accomplished so much!

[@tantanjafin]

I'm not usually for long speeches but this is overdue and deserves the time. Well said

[@christopheraparicio4482]

I wish tupac was here to see this speech.

[@JVRymes]

real talk

[@gbthrilla]

+Christopher Aparicio tupac would pull out his rap it up box and say rap this speach up nigga dam

[@angiephatsudamillanbueno7055]

Christopher Aparicio well Tupac wasn’t smart like they are . He got shoot , big still be a big

[@mrsg5190]

Tupac seen/heard this speech

[@mdkvisions]

Spike addressing the Elephant In the room that's in all corporate companies big industries no black people in big positions just white it is so tiring! but we need to support self spend or money with self! then create our own network industries build then we can hire our children...........We need to stop waiting and hoping for white people that are in places of power be nice and fair to us it ant going to happen!!!! they will away give there friends and kids and friends kids opatunities before us!! Still love spike need more brothers like him!!!!

[@DeathBringer769]

+MANGO ZOO Favoritism/bias towards giving friends/family opportunities first is something that often happens with ANY human being of ANY skin color... Just throwing that out there. Not saying you're not right about a lot of stuff, but I'm just addressing that one comment you made about that.

[@mdkvisions]

No you are right good to point that out its human nature to look after your own people and I won't the same to happen to my people But we need to get and build something so we can pass it on.

[@ds-ts2ml]

+MANGO ZOO Spike Lee is a racist, angry, piece of shit

[@Maver1ck101]

+MANGO ZOO "If I got one thing against the black chappies, it's this - no one gives it to you. You have to take it." -- Frank Costello in "The Departed"

[@tovsteh]

12% of Americans are black... what do you expect in a predominantly white country?

[@jhpvids]

love the speech. well deserved Spike. As real as it gets.

[@anthonybooth1952]

"BROOKLYN IN THE HOUSE!" -Spike

[@miahstalings8572]

anthony triscuo yea for bk my city fuck spike.. Devil worshiping dudes

[@NicolesView1984]

Awesome speech!

[@firstblessed9386]

I have met him a few times and he is a very nice guy and real! I loved how he clapped each time after he honored someone.

[@chino1430]

Spike kicked the freegin' door down at the end! Uh oh! #truth

[@bkrider19]

Very well said, Spike.

[@mia5931]

i just love we need some flavour up in this

[@chosenfaithful9402]

And we do... Hollywood be richer for it.

[@BLACK7MA]

Much respect to brother Spike Lee, Denzel Washington, Westley Snipes and of course the great Samuel L Jackson.

[@sowhatismokee]

Denzel: "Nothings Changed.." Crowd: *Crickets*

[@theman2017inc]

And ironically that was the realest moment

[@65g4]

hes right cheryl boon issac is terrific and has been so amazing for the academy and changing everything

[@darrenjackson2705]

When I saw Do the Right Thing, I knew then Spike Lee was destined for greatness. He did bust them doors off the hinges. It made this white teen realize how screwed up our society was. I loved every movie he put out there for us to be educated and to enjoy. Peace and love

[@TheOneThatGotAwayRMAPLS]

I love most the last part of his speech he was keeping it real.

[@Sebastian-lo3hn]

OMG !! You all voted for Obama, but i dont see no black faces except the security guard punching my ticket. My Man, just told it like it was, is and will be .......Total respect.

[@germainesomething6138]

Spike always believed in US more than we believe in ourselves

[@rockyoumentally]

Congratulations to a great film maker...

[@jovontowns591]

That's WAS perfect!

[@SimonHillKeepsItTrill]

spike lee 1 of my heroes

[@majestystudio3567]

real men always show sincere appreciation. The best grandma bless her soul.

[@tino0936]

True legends 💯

[@User429cassu]

I love that at some point he doesn’t even face the crowd he faces the 3 legends to talk

[@Casanova966]

He made it extremely uncomfortable for the children of our former slave masters in that room. Love it.

[@MM-pu7yr]

FACTS

[@Vinny.X]

Which was probably about one or two people at best. But keep spreading that hate.

[@Karpefilm]

I like Spike Lee.

[@isetfrances6124]

This is how you have impact: " attack" the problem every day, tell the young there's no easy road to success, remind e'rybody what is not happening in Labor (no Black Teamsters!), and HOW to make a change. Dude used the time well, used it up with important shout outs to family, friends (Go Vietta!), mentors, history, and the Academy leader who is making an effort. I Luv it! Nobody Mo Betta for getting this one.

[@Maver1ck101]

+Iset Frances LOL. Seriously, Spike Lee got an Honorary Oscar!? Anyway, people are reading too much into the Oscar nominations. If the Academy is against people of color, then why did it award Denzel Washington (twice) and Benicio del Toro? The Academy awards excellence and it can only nominate five; all nominated actors for the Best Actor Award gave better performances in their respective films than Will Smith in Concussion and generally speaking, are much better actors than him.

[@isetfrances6124]

+Srikant Mahapatra Hey, this is great to get a repy! Thanks! I don't know why you think TWO actors of color is enuf in the sea of white foam, but i only like foam on top of my coffee. HA, Ha

[@TheBlackBuddhist]

+Srikant Mahapatra Denzel only got a Oscar because he stereotyped himself. Black people only get recognition when they take roles that shows them in a negative light.

[@tonyfoster3251]

You don't need no oscar to be recognised we recognise you 💪🏿✊🏿

[@frankwhite2275]

A lot of white people dislike when ever black talk about race and the obstacles black face, they think "Ahh get over it , just work hard, we're all the same, stop bringing up race". They just don't get it because they never had they never had to face those obstacles. I'm black and I can't really relate to the Holocaust, I understand it, I know what happen But it doesn't hit me as hard as it does a jewish person. What's sad is that you have black people who feel the same way as a lot of whites, They cringe when another black person brings up race. It's almost like they've conditioned themselves to ignore race issues.

[@SibGirl01]

Mr. Washington didn’t need to give the main speech either for the intro to Mr. Spike Lee, or Mr. Spike Lee’s main speech. He just needed to be there to give powerful color commentary. Bless him. Bless him, Mr. Snipes, and Mr. Jackson.

[@pearlbarkley1019]

Wow... he's a professor too??? I love SPIKE LEE!!!❤❤❤😊😊😊👍👍👍🥁🥁🥁

[@darugla]

What an amazing, fine speech and story!!

[@youngmaryland886]

That was the longest I have ever in my life heard spike Lee talk. He has a lot of wisdom.

[@tatiannamiv]

Oh the Brooklyn people...sounds way to familiar. This Puerto Rican can recognize Brooklyn people from miles away. Can't wait to go back and visit

[@nymet2454]

Great Speech.

[@donthekickassti649]

I don't understand why we as black people are so trained to think that we have to validated by another race of people. The standards have been set and are that way because we have no economic power or unity as a people. For instance every so called A-list actor knows about the Tree of Life Awards. This was a BLACK OSCAR given to BLACK ACTORS. I attended several of the occasions. What surprises me is that none of the black elite took this event over after the founders went into ancestry. It was place for us to meet and greet and make things happen like UNIVISION. We missed the boat as always. RIP MR AND MRS NELLUM

[@litt5211]

Did you say.... "We have no economic power " ? Better wake up then because that shit is about to change. Study crypto currencies and all it's possibilities starting with bitcoin. And Africa is heavy in that for starters.

[@akw829]

No one has to be validated by any other "race". If you believe in the higher power, you understand that there is no race. People want to be accepted as a person period. Whoever stands beside me, i want them to respect me as a man just as I respect them as a man or woman...that should be the focus and not wanting to be validated by our own race or wanting to be validated by a majority race. The simple fact that I see so many comments on KZbin/facebook, etc, with my "minority" brothers/sisters saying the same thing about how we should build or own banks, have our own awards shows, etc, etc, displays the same disdain that has killed this planet. We continuously fool ourselves into believing that we are categorically some "race" of people when no person on this planet is.

[@kurtadams3021]

NOTHING BUT LOVE FOR BROTHER SPIKE

[@dagreenboy5823]

so deep! real filmaker, director, by far. thanks for your wisdom. peace from France

[@ellenechols8980]

l have always loved Spike Lee! A very unique and talented person!

[@DaLane4real]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾Mr. Spike Lee award well deserved and long over due. I still say he should of gotten best picture for Malcolm X.

[@TheLovely990]

Congratulations Spike Lee! Looking forward to your new movie!

[@getoffmoney]

Fantastic! Love Spike Lee...

[@rmsolympic1]

Beautiful wife

[@ottogreenjr.7857]

Flavor baby!!! Sleeves rolled up!!!

[@tombasye1016]

Spike Lee Deserved Completely To Be Honored With This 2015 Governor Award, I And Many Great American People Will Totally Agree, I Remember His Excellence Way Back In The 80's When He Came Out With Such Great Entertainment, His Different Show's And Movie's Have Alway's Been Just Great For Hollywood, And To Have Wesley Snipes And The Other 2 On Stage With Him, Just Makes Such A Wonderful Moment In Time For Him, Congratulations Spike Lee !!

[@kurtadams3021]

LEGEND

[@mrsain19]

id love to meet and know spike. to sit and hear hours and days of stories from the past. and you know im trying to get that Air Jordan plug too. shout outs to spike. belated congrats! #salute

[@IkePhillipRuffin]

I see a lot of trolls who don't know what racism is or how it works. Yall are hilarious.

[@TheOneThatGotAwayRMAPLS]

+Brokenstatic44 spike no he is considered black nationalist like myself. Louis is prejudice of the white race.

[@TheOneThatGotAwayRMAPLS]

+Brokenstatic44 Black Nationalist just the idea that people of color should have their own businesses for example like a Executive, CEO. Be physicians instead of working for one. Run engineering firms instead if working for them and Lawyers and so on.

[@TheOneThatGotAwayRMAPLS]

+Brokenstatic44 You know what I mean

[@TheOneThatGotAwayRMAPLS]

+Brokenstatic44 BET don't count because they produce high quality film theatrical or telefilms in the caliber as HBO

[@TheOneThatGotAwayRMAPLS]

+Brokenstatic44 What that mean did you look me up

[@65g4]

malcolm x is such an unappreciated masterpiece it was his passion project or years

[@sprattonburnett]

Spike Lee, your voice is so soft and elegant, I just didn't know we had the same views of the world. Thank you, my brother. You are a godsend.

[@tiffanybrazier8418]

Why am I just now seeing this😔 I love all of them! Spike has always been the truth!💯🙏🙏

[@enchantedstargoddess6837]

Best Acceptance Speech Ever!! "Is Brooklyn in the house?" - Spike Lee

[@corben72]

LOVE SPIKE LEE!

[@carolsword7237]

This is another great video worth reposting. People all over the world, especially in the entertainment industry, NEED to hear Spike Lee's speech and act on his advice.

[@Shey01Shey]

Malcom X is my favorite Spike Lee movie. Starting Denzel, pure perfection! No one else coul’ve Pulled it of!!!

[@062980t]

I know that’s right!! If I get in I’m gone bring in as many people I know... we all gone eat. message ✊🏽

[@deanjones1575]

you better go head Spike.

[@earnestinecole3553]

"Grew up loving Wesley, Samuel, Denzel and Spike Lee!!!! I'm bout to cry because this black excellence!!!! I SAY DENZEL IS THE GREATEST ACTOR OF ALL TIME PERIOD!!!!! Him, De Niro, and Al made me want to become an actor!!! And Scorsese made me want to be a director!!!!!! I'm close to tears right now, truly amazing!!!!!!!!! Love these boys eternally!!!!! I'm finna take over Hollywood when I get there!!!!!!!!! Imma be the BEST director of my time!!!!!! Denzel act like my daddy, that's why I adore him so much, it's like I know him!!!! BLACK excellence y'all, black excellence!!!!!!" £Fye O aka Warrior of Jesus£

[@akymrinkovsky289]

Its about time congrbtulations Mr. Lee nobody deserves it more. Finally

[@abdijamah7083]

what a great moment Legends on the stage