By Sandy Cohen, Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --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 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 flavor 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 "recognizing 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. "Our connection with the film-loving French is especially deep."
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 African-Americans 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. The 85-year-old actress, whose career spans six decades, received her Oscar from her son, Nick Cassavettes, who directed his mother in 2004's "The Notebook." He noted that the award was "the first Oscar in the family."
Looking lovingly at the golden trophy, Rowlands thanked the academy governors for "introducing me to this fine fellow."
"He's very handsome," she said. "You know, he's just so elegant… I think I'll take him home."
Reynolds received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Jane Fonda and Meryl Streep introduced the 83-year-old entertainer, who announced Friday that she would be unable to attend the ceremony.
Reynolds was recognized for her decades-long commitment to various charities, including the mental health organization she founded, the Thalians. Her granddaughter accepted Reynolds' statuette.
A live band played throughout the evening, and there were two musical interludes: Zooey Deschanel performed the Oscar-nominated song Reynolds sang in 1958's "Tammy and the Bachelor." Aloe Blacc sang "A Change is Gonna Come" as part of Lee's introduction.
Other famous faces at the starry dinner included Johnny Depp and wife Amber Heard, Daniel Craig and wife Rachel Weisz, Will Smith, Ice Cube, Mark Ruffalo, Quentin Tarantino, Saoirse Ronan and Michael Caine. Portions of the untelevised ceremony may be included in the 2016 Academy Awards telecast.
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More