Depending on how you read between the lines, last night’s Oscars telecast can be seen as one of the least anti-Trump or most anti-Trump awards shows in recent memory. While there weren’t any real overt callouts of the current American President, the show featured plenty of Hollywood figures alluding to Donald Trump’s policies in less-than-complimentary ways, led by a passionate speech by first-time winner Spike Lee. And even though he wasn’t name-checked, Trump wouldn’t let overt political statements be made without chiming in.
In a clearly nervous moment, Lee was seen reading directly from a speech written before the ceremony during his winning moment for Best Adapted Screenplay for “BlacKkKlansman.” And in that speech, the filmmaker encouraged folks to “mobilize” before the 2020 election, among other calls to action.
READ MORE: The Best & Worst Of The 2019 Oscars
However, since we live in the Trump era, where the President routinely comments on non-political matters, such as Hollywood awards shows, the Commander-in-Chief saw it fit to chime in on what Lee said with his typical unsubtle, and factually questionable way.
Trump tweeted, “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!”
Now, it goes without saying that Spike Lee is no fan of Donald Trump. That was widely known before last night’s telecast. But it’s clear that knowing that, the President was still a little hurt over Lee’s comments, which is probably the added bonus to the coveted Oscar that the filmmaker received.
Lee also found himself in another post-win controversy last night, but not because of anything related to his speech or “BlacKkKlansman.”
READ MORE: In The End The 2019 Oscars Turned Out To Be An Epic Tease
It has been widely reported on social media that after the surprise win by “Green Book” for Best Picture (a film that has been criticized quite heavily for it’s “white savior” tropes, as well as for some questionable off-screen antics by the writer, director, and star of the film), Lee was seen trying to walk out of the theater. He was eventually stopped, but clearly, the filmmaker wasn’t pleased.
His reaction sparked a flurry of questions during his post-ceremony press conference, where Lee, who was clearly still riding high on his win, tried his best to side-step any controversy. But you know, this is Spike Lee we’re talking about, so he can only avoid speaking his mind just a little bit.
READ MORE: ‘Green Book’ Wins Best Picture And The Complete 2019 Oscars Winner List
In one interview, the filmmaker related the “Green Book” win to a “bad call” by the refs at a Knicks NBA game. And in another, he joked to some British journalists that the controversial film wasn’t his “cup of tea.”
It’s likely that we can fully expect some more nuanced discussion from Lee in the coming days, as the high wears off and the outspoken filmmaker digests the night’s proceedings. Needless to say, it was quite the night for Mr. Spike Lee.
Click here for more from our Oscars 2019 coverage.
Interviewer: is there something about Green Book that offends you?
Spike Lee: pic.twitter.com/fXy2TLM7yc
— two yards ahead in the brain (@mxr_ly_) February 25, 2019
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