Spike Lee Shares His Thoughts on His Legacy for the Future
Spike Lee on Dec. 9, 2025.
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Brianna Bryson/WireImage
Filmmaker Spike Lee Outlines His Legacy at Critics Choice Event
Spike Lee, the distinguished filmmaker and educator, recently shared his vision for his legacy during an exclusive interview at the Critics Choice Association’s 8th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television. The 68-year-old Academy Award winner reflected on how he wishes to be remembered after his passing, emphasizing both his cinematic contributions and his role as a teacher.
“As a filmmaker and an educator, it’s two things: it’s the films, and also I’m a teacher,” said Lee, who has taught film studies and directing at NYU Tisch School of the Arts for over three decades.
Lee took pride in his students, many of whom have launched successful careers in the film industry. “I’ve been teaching 31 years," he noted, adding with humor that although not all of those years were tenured, he is now secure in his position: "So they can’t fire me. NYU can’t fire me."
Recognized for his significant impact on popular culture, Lee was awarded the Career Achievement Award during the ceremony for his extensive body of work. This includes iconic films such as She’s Gotta Have It, Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, and his recent project, Highest 2 Lowest. The Critics Choice Association highlighted Lee’s exploration of themes surrounding race, politics, and African American life throughout his notable films.
In addition to his cinematic achievements, Lee has produced critically acclaimed documentaries, including If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise, which examines the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and the Oscar-nominated 4 Little Girls, about the tragic 1963 Birmingham church bombing.
Lee’s dedication to mentorship and education remains a critical aspect of his legacy. Recently, he received Harvard University’s prestigious W. E. B. Du Bois Medal, affirming his influence in the fields of African and African American studies. Reflecting on his family, Lee expressed that his children play a vital role in his legacy. He remarked, “My No. 1 legacy is going to be through my children,” believing they are destined for success in the arts.
As Lee continues to inspire both through his films and his teachings, his impact on the cultural landscape is expected to resonate for generations to come.
