Spike Lee is a well-known filmmaker, who has been nominated for an Oscar six times in his career. At the 91st Academy Awards last night, Lee finally went from nominee to winner for the Best Adapted Screenplay for BlacKkKlansman. He also directed the brilliant and controversial film. In his acceptance speech, Lee said: “The 2020 presidential election is around the corner… Let’s all mobilize. Let’s all be on the right side of history. Make the moral choice between love versus hate. Let’s do the right thing.” As inspiring as speech can be to some, there’s always someone that will take it the wrong way. And in this case, it was none other than the President Donald Trump himself. Are we really surprised? Take a look:
Be nice if Spike Lee could read his notes, or better yet not have to use notes at all, when doing his racist hit on your President, who has done more for African Americans (Criminal Justice Reform, Lowest Unemployment numbers in History, Tax Cuts,etc.) than almost any other Pres!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 25, 2019
Firstly, the acclaimed filmmaker did not mention Trump by name at all in his speech. He received a standing ovation for his words. But of course, Trump needed a little distraction from his intensive preparations for nuclear talks with North Korea. There’s no doubt that Lee was referring to Trump in his speech. And in true Trump style, he is always quick to pipe up when a public figure has an opinion about the concept of ‘hate’. This was the only time President Trump discussed anything to do with yesterday’s Oscars ceremony.
But Lee Wasn’t The Only Speaker Who Had Something Politically Inclined To Say…
While announcing the nominees for best foreign language film, Javier Bardem said in Spanish, “There are no borders or walls that can restrain ingenuity and talent,” a subtle reference to President Trump’s proposed border wall. Similarly, Maya Rudolph, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler referred to the wall when they opened the ceremony: “Just a quick update, in case you’re confused: There is no host tonight, there won’t be a popular movie category, and Mexico is not paying for the wall”. That’s three mentions of criticism towards the wall to one pretty personal response by the wall instigator. What, or better yet, who, is the common denominator here?
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Image Source: Youtube