‘Prem’ feels the love in India
Pages 14-15
Spike Lee told an audience of entertainment luminaries that it’s easier for a black person to become President of the United States than head of a Hollywood studio or network.
Lee made the remarks on Saturday as he accepted an Oscar statuette at the film academy’s seventh annual Governors Awards dinner in Hollywood, where Gena Rowlands and Debbie Reynolds were also honorees.
“We need to have some serious discussions about diversity and get some flavour up in this,” Lee said. “This industry is so behind sports it’s ridiculous.”
The filmmaker praised Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Cheryl Boone Isaacs for “trying to do something that needs to be done”. Earlier in the evening, Isaacs called on the industry powers in attendance to take action toward “recognising and embracing a broad cross-section of talent.” She also announced the academy’s new five-year plan to improve diversity in its staff and governance.
Isaacs opened the Governors Awards ceremony with condolences for France in the wake of the terrorist attacks. “All of us here stand in solidarity and support of France and the French people,” she said.
TRIBUTE TO TERROR VICTIMS
Lee offered “peace and love to people in France” as he received his award. Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes and Samuel L. Jackson brought the filmmaker onstage for his Oscar.
“Spike Lee has put more AfricanAmericans to work in this business than anyone else in this business,” Washington said in his introduction.
Cate Blanchett and Laura Linney each paid tribute to Rowlands, calling her a trailblazer and inspiration.
Reynolds received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Will Smith, Denzel Was Lee wi Oscar Jackson p the Gover Los Angele
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Other famous face dinner included Holly Johnny Depp and Am and Daniel Craig and Will Smith, Ice Cube, Quentin Tarantino, Sa and Michael Caine als
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