Spike Lee’s Ongoing Frustration with Cannes Oversight

Some grudges improve with time, while others just become more frustrating. Spike Lee’s ongoing conflict with Cannes regarding Do the Right Thing falls into the latter category.

The Ongoing Conflict:

Lee’s new film, Highest 2 Lowest, is set for Cannes but won’t compete—leaving him feeling sidelined. Yet, this pales in comparison to the infamous 1989 Palme d’Or snub that continues to bother him.

In a recent THR interview, Lee asserted: “Wim Wenders commandeered that jury.” The core issue? Wenders allegedly criticized Lee’s character, Mookie, for being “not heroic.” Further complicating matters, Lee claims that jurors Sally Field and Héctor Babenco informed him that they were instructed: “Do the Right Thing cannot win.”

This led to Lee expressing frustration. “I’m waiting for his ass,” he said at the time. Wenders remained unbothered, suggesting that Lee should have directed his anger at the entire jury, labeling their decision as a collective choice during a particularly strong year for films.

The Snub That Shaped a Legacy

Do the Right Thing didn’t just miss out on recognition; it was essentially ignored. While Steven Soderbergh’s Sex, Lies, and Videotape took home the Palme and Best Actor (James Spader), Lee left with nothing.

However, history has treated Lee’s film kindly. Critics now regard it as the greatest film of the 1980s, noted for its powerful commentary on race in America. While Wenders may regret the decision, Lee’s work has survived the debate, even if the grudge remains.

Who’s in the right? Is it the filmmaker alleging a conspiracy, or the jury claiming it was just a “challenging year”? Regardless, Lee continues to have strong opinions. What do you think: Was Do the Right Thing unfairly overlooked?