All we talk about is Spielberg and Kubrick on this site, well it seems to me at least.

So here goes the flood gates.

Spike Lee not only set the independent film world on its way but also has re-written history. His films speak a brutal honesty that many film makers fall short of, including my favorite director Steven Spielberg.

Besides filming, the only other thing I ever did good was filming.

I had a friend once joke, (and I agree) that if he ever won an Oscar, and Spike still had not, part of his acceptance speech would be, "..I dont understand how I have won this, and Spike Lee still dosent have one."

For those who havent already, see "Do The Right Thing" Its like going to film school.
R. M.

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans

I agree with your sentiments, but don't forget John Singleton helped smash the door down after Spike Lee opened it with Boyz N the Hood.

Then he repaired the door with movies like Shaft.

Spike Lee is a phenom when it comes to realism. He shines light on places people want kept dark. He derserves an Oscar but his doses of truth are why he hasn't got one.

Watch Fantastic-Moronic say something that supports this

Life is a Disease...Im the cure...

Spike Lee is a good filmmaker, but I have to disagree with him winning an Oscar. He has touched on many subjects that not many people wish he would, but so did "There's Something About Mary." To me Spike Lee seems to be trying to be the man of controversy(much like Eminem) and this to me doesn't deserve an Oscar. He did help the independent industry but so did all the horrible hollywood films that have been made. I respect Spike Lee because he is doing what he wants and he is "making it" but I don't see what all the hype is about. If he keeps up what he's doing I'm sure he'll get a lifetime acheivement award but that may be about it.

Just an opinion not a statement.

I would say that the two best film-makers are Spike Lee and Wes Anderson. let me explain: what seperates these two cats from people like Spielberg is that they don't make movies for the box office, they make movies for the audience and for the progression of film. they also don't rely on special effects. I was born in New York City and I am so glad that we got a guy like Spike to represent us. I would Say that "Malcom X" is the best Bio-pic ever made, I don't know how he didn't get an oscar. And he wasn't just a one hit wonder like Singleton(Although "Boyz in the Hood" was a very well made one hit). Watch "Do the Right thing", "he Got Game", "The 25th hour", etc. Even his less critically acclaimed films like "Bamboozled" are still better than some of Hollywoods best. Why does this guy not have an oscar???
"En Garde, I'll let you try my Wu-Tang Style"

Kung Fu Naked Mole Rat Studios

Spike Lee is an absolute genius. I agree with your friend Tizzy, I don't want an Oscar if Spike doesn't have one. Spike Lee does what few can, he stays relivant. And he has done a huge service for Black and Indie Filmmakers. Your talking about the man who more-less discovered talents like Denzel Washington, Sam Jackson, Giancarlo Espisito, Halle Berry, Martin Lawrence and Rosario Dawson off the top of my head. Spike definatly paved the way for black directors to become Hollywood players.

Your right HBK, if Spike opened the door for black directors, then people like John Singleton, The Hughes Brothers, Antone Fuqua and F. Gary Grey have certainly kept it open.

Canmmo

I think that Spike Lee is a great storyteller and a great director, but I don't think he has deserved an oscar yet. I watched 25th Hour recently and thought it was amazing. The way he filmed it was cool. And I love the "F*ck you" speech given by Norton and the way that Lee put it together with just blew me away. He Got Game was great. Do the Right Thing was also awesome. Mo' Better Blues is one that I think more people should see.

SUMMER OF SAM WAS THE WORST F*CKING MOVIE EVER. Sorry, I had to say it. I don't mean to rag on Spike Lee but that movie blew on so many levels.

Anyway, I'm going on a tangent. Spike Lee is great. I feel he WILL win an oscar before his life is over. But I don't think he's earned it yet. Just because he has the balls to be controversial doesn't mean he should win an oscar. He's a great writer, but he's not doing anything amazing with his movies artistically speaking.

Chandler Mays

ps - Kill Bill and Matrix Reloaded are gonna rule my ass!