Fountain presents the Behind the Lens award to Spike Lee. Click image to enlarge

Beverly Hills, California – Filmmaker Spike Lee has become the sixth recipient of the Chrysler LLC Behind the Lens Award, which recognizes individuals working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. Lee received the award at a special ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

Lee was recognized for his work as the director of such films as Jungle Fever, Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X, and for helping launch the big-screen careers of such actors as Halle Berry, Samuel L. Jackson and John Turturro.

“Spike Lee epitomizes the ideal of the Behind the Lens Award,” said Frank Fountain, Chrysler LLC Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Public Policy. “His thoughtful films and activism in Hollywood have inspired a generation of filmmakers, encouraged actors, challenged basic assumptions and expanded the field to include many more African-Americans in key roles behind the lens. We are thrilled to have him as the award’s latest honouree and to celebrate his commitment and passion.”

The Chrysler Foundation will also donate US$25,000 to Lee’s alma mater, Morehouse College in Atlanta, as part of the award. The donation will benefit the Morehouse College School of Sports Journalism, a program which began with seed money donated by Lee and which expands the field of sports journalism for African-American students.

Previous recipients of the award include Quincy Jones, Gordon Parks, Melvin Van Peebles, John Singleton and Reuben Cannon.