Spike Lee slams Hollywood at award show

Filmmaker Spike Lee, while receiving the Honorary Oscar at Governors Awards, reminded hundreds of Hollywood heavy-hitters about their failure in promoting diversity and warned that by 2043, Caucasians are going to be the minority in the US.

Lee's 15-minute speech concluded Saturday's awards ceremony that also honoured Debbie Reynolds and Gena Rowlands.

Lee, 58, said when he goes through Hollywood offices, there are only white faces, and the only person of color is the man checking the name at the door, reported Variety.

"Everybody in here probably voted for Obama but when I go to offices, I see no black folks except for the brother man at the security who checks my name off the list as I go into the studio," the director said.

"So we can talk 'yabba yabba yabba' but we need to have some serious discussion about diversity and get some flavor up in this. This industry is so behind sports it's ridiculous.

"It's easier to be the president of the United States as a black person than be the head of a studio," he continued.

"Honestly, it's easier to be president of the United States than the head of a studio or head of network."

Lee urged Hollywood executives to take a closer look at the people around them."I don't know if you noticed but the United States census bureau says by the year 2043, white Americans are going to be the minority in this country," he said.

"And all you people out there in the position of hiring, you better get smart because you'll work for us. Reflect what this country looks like."

Denzel Washington, Samuel L Jackson and Wesley Snipes presented the "She's Gotta Have It" director with his award.