The legendary filmmaker, now more than four decades into his career, made it clear that his passion for cinema is still burning hot during a recent interview with E! News. Asked why he continues to make films after everything he’s already accomplished, Lee didn’t hesitate.
“Look at the work,” he said.
“Look at them joints. And look at them Spike Lee joints.”
Classic Spike. Confident. Unfiltered. And fully aware of the legacy he’s built — and the one he’s still shaping.
From She’s Gotta Have It to a Cultural Movement
Spike Lee’s filmmaking journey began in 1986 with She’s Gotta Have It, a groundbreaking indie that didn’t just introduce a director — it redefined Black cinema.
The film centered on Nola Darling, a free-spirited Brooklyn artist unapologetically navigating love, sexuality, and independence while juggling three very different suitors. At a time when Black female agency was rarely portrayed with nuance or freedom, Lee put it front and center.
The impact was immediate — and lasting.
“My community’s been honoring me by going to my films since She’s Gotta Have It way back in 1986,” Lee said.
Next year marks a major milestone.
“Next year’s gonna be the 40th anniversary,” he added.
Four decades later, the influence of that first film still echoes through modern storytelling.
25 Feature Films, 12 Documentaries — And He’s Not Done
With 25 feature films and 12 documentaries under his belt, Spike Lee has more than earned the right to rest on his laurels.
But that’s not his style.
“There are a lot of films I have not made yet,” Lee said.
“But it’ll get done.”
That statement alone sums up his mindset: unfinished business.
From Do the Right Thing to Malcolm X, Inside Man, BlacKkKlansman, and beyond, Lee has consistently used film as a tool for cultural commentary, confrontation, and celebration. And he’s not interested in wrapping that up anytime soon.
Honored, Loud, and Unapologetic at Black Cinema Celebration
Lee was recently honored with the Career Achievement Award at the Critics’ Choice Association’s 8th annual Celebration of Black Cinema and Television — but even during a tribute, Spike stayed Spike.
During his speech, he praised Ryan Coogler for his directorial work on Sinners, openly celebrating the next generation of Black filmmakers carrying the torch.
Then, in true courtside-Knicks-fan fashion, Lee joked about how animated he got during the screening.
“They’re never going to invite me to another screening because I was acting like I was courtside at The Garden,” he said.
No notes. No regrets.
Spike Lee vs. The Academy: Still No Peace Treaty
The celebration didn’t stop Lee from airing long-standing frustrations — especially when it came to the Academy Awards.
Lee took direct aim at the Oscars for repeatedly snubbing actor Delroy Lindo, whose performance in Da 5 Bloods many critics believed deserved major recognition.
His response?
“Fk the Academy, they can kiss my Black ass two times.”**
Blunt. Viral. Very Spike Lee.
The comment instantly reignited conversations about Hollywood’s ongoing struggles with equity, recognition, and who gets rewarded — conversations Lee has been pushing for decades.
Reuniting With Denzel Washington for Highest 2 Lowest
While reflecting on the past, Spike Lee is firmly focused on the future — including his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest.
The project reunites Lee with Denzel Washington, one of his most iconic collaborators, in what’s being described as a modern reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low.
Set in New York City, the film centers on David King (Washington), a powerful music mogul at the absolute peak of his career.
Then everything explodes.
A Kidnapping With a Twist
The story takes a dark turn when a kidnapper — played by A$AP Rocky — abducts a child in a devastating case of mistaken identity.
Instead of taking King’s son, the kidnapper seizes:
- The son of King’s loyal chauffeur
- Played by Jeffrey Wright
The moral tension that follows forces King to confront power, responsibility, class, and loyalty — themes that have always lived at the heart of Spike Lee’s work.
Spike Lee’s Fire Still Burns
At 67, Spike Lee isn’t reflecting like a man winding down. He’s talking like someone mid-stride.
Still angry.
Still proud.
Still hungry.
Still loud.
Whether he’s praising new voices, blasting old institutions, or reimagining classic cinema with modern urgency, one thing is clear: Spike Lee isn’t done talking — and he’s definitely not done directing.
The Bottom Line
Spike Lee’s love for filmmaking hasn’t faded — it’s evolved.
Forty years after She’s Gotta Have It, he’s still creating, still challenging power, still demanding better, and still reminding the world why his voice matters.
And if you ask him why he keeps going?
Just look at the work.
Look at them joints.
And look at them Spike Lee joints.
What’s your favorite Spike Lee film — and do you think his best work is still ahead of him?
Drop your thoughts below and stay tuned to The Pop Radar for more exclusive film, culture, and celebrity news.
