While all of the major awards shows were pushed back this year in the hopes of holding in-person events once more people are vaccinated, many of the smaller critics-awards shows are being held virtually. Which is what happened with the NY Film Critics Circle Awards this year. They were held virtually on Sunday, and “attendees” got to make their speeches “live” online, or they sent in videos. Spike Lee won an honorary award presented by Martin Scorsese, and Spike had a lot to say about the Trump era in American history:

Spike Lee sharply criticized former President Donald Trump and his historical legacy during a somber speech Sunday at the 86th annual New York Film Critics Circle Awards. Lee, 63, was in no mood to celebrate during his acceptance speech for the honorary award presented by Martin Scorsese at the virtual awards show.

The “Da 5 Bloods” director Lee filmed his acceptance speech on Jan. 6, “a very sad day in the history of America,” when pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol building.

“You know what, we are living in a very serious time in America. All of us as true Americans have to really think about what’s important,” said Lee. “There’s no way possible to go before the iPhone and thank you guys without telling you what’s in my heart and soul as a descendent of slaves who helped build this country. The whole world is laughing at the United States, the so-called cradle of democracy,” he added.

“We’re at the crossroads now. And everyone please be safe, this is not a game. These people got guns with ammunition,” said Lee. “This president, President Agent Orange, will go down in history with the likes of Hitler. These guys, all his boys, they are going down on the wrong side of history.”

[From USA Today]

Over the years, I’ll admit to sometimes finding Spike overwrought and a little too eager to start beefs out of nowhere. But he’s been dead right about everything during the Trump era, and I agree with him completely here. Other countries watched with horror as Trump’s MAGA terrorists tried to overthrow the government, and our allies are still horrified as they realize how much power Trump still has even out of the White House. What happened on Jan. 6th was an insurrection, a failed coup and a terrorist attack on the republic. And one political party began minimizing those facts two seconds after the traitors were out of the Capitol.

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Photos courtesy of Getty, Avalon Red.