Spike Lee wins his first Oscar for 'BlacKkKlansman'
"BlacKkKlansman" won the award for best adapted screenplay at the 91st Academy Awards on Sunday.
Charlie Wachtel, David Rabinowitz, Kevin Willmott and Spike Lee took the stage to accept their award. Their film was nominated for six awards tonight, and this is Lee's first Oscar win.
During Lee's acceptance speech, the acclaimed director delivered an impassioned message.
"400 years, our ancestors were stolen from Africa ... and enslaved. They worked the land from morning to night," he said.
"My grandmothers, who lived 100 years young, a college graduate even though her mother was a slave," he continued. "My grandmother, who saved 50 years of social security checks to put her first grandchild -- she called me spikey poo -- through college. Morehouse College and NYU grad film."
"Before the world tonight, I give praise to my ancestors who have built this country, along with the genocide of native people. We all connect with our ancestors, to regain our humanity. It will be a powerful moment," he added.
He also mentioned the upcoming presidential election in his speech.
"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!" he said.
"You know I had to get that in there!" he added before exiting the stage.
Lee is also nominated for best director for the film.
