Spike Lee named first Black president of Cannes Film Festival jury

By Megan Armstrong | Last updated 3/16/21

Spike Lee just received a pretty good consolation prize.

The iconic director saw Da 5 Bloods snubbed by the Oscars on Monday, but per Variety's Elsa Keslassy, Lee has accepted the Cannes Film Festival's invitation to preside as the jury's president—making him the first Black person to receive the honor.

Variety shared the video in which Lee humbly accepted the offer:

"Way back in 1986, my very first film, She's Gotta Have It, played there," Lee said, "and it was my introduction to the world of cinema. So, Cannes will always, always, always have a deep, deep spot in my heart. Book my flight now! My wife, Tonya, and I are coming!"

Following She's Gotta Have It, the Cannes Film Festival premiered Lee's films Do the Right Thing (1989) and BlacKkKlansman (2018). The 63-year-old's first and only Oscar came for his work on BlacKkKlansman, for which he was also nominated for best achievement in directing and best motion picture of the year.

This year's festival will run from July 6-17.

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