Spike Lee has expressed his criticism towards critics who claimed that his film ‘Do the Right Thing’ would incite riots among black people. While receiving the Ebert Director Award at the Toronto International Film Festival Tribute Awards, he acknowledged one of the reviewers who defended the film at the time. Spike Lee stated, “Your husband got behind me when those motherf****** in the Press were saying that ‘Do the Right Thing’ was going to incite Black people to riot.”
Spike Lee accepted the award from Roger Ebert’s widow, Chaz Ebert, and highlighted that critics had even suggested that the film should not be shown in the United States. Despite these criticisms, ‘Do the Right Thing’ has come to be regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. David Denby and Joe Klein were mentioned as two of the most prominent critical voices against the film.
Spike Lee recalled how Denby and Klein wrote that readers should “hope to God that this doesn’t open in your neighbourhood.” He emphasized that the struggle for equality and justice is ongoing and that the playing field is still far from level.
In addition to Spike Lee, Colman Domingo, Vicky Krieps, Patricia Arquette, Pedro Almodovar, and Shawn Levy were also honored at the Toronto International Film Festival Tribute Awards. Colman Domingo, in particular, received a performer award for his work in the prison drama ‘Sing Sing’. During his acceptance speech, he shared a personal anecdote about his career struggles and how his mother advised him to engage in volunteer work to do something that is not solely focused on himself. He emphasized that regardless of the roles he plays, it is always about serving others and choosing the right people and projects to collaborate with.