Oscars 2019: Five notable moments from the Academy Awards you may have missed

By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Assistant Editor Monday, February 25, 2019

Spike Lee uses acceptance speech to issue a call to action for 2020 presidential election — and Trump responds

Spike Lee picked up his very first Academy Award on Sunday night for Best Adapted Screenplay, which he won for "BlacKkKlansman."

Accepting his award, Lee spoke about the history of racism and slavery in the United States. He ended it by urging viewers to make the “moral choice” in the 2020 presidential race, as President Donald Trump seeks re-election.

“When we regain our humanity it will be a powerful moment,” the “Do The Right Thing” director read from his notes.

“The 2020 election is around the corner – let’s all mobilize and be on the right side of history. Make the moral choice between love versus hate,” Lee said.

On Twitter, President Trump was quick to respond, calling Lee's remarks racist: “Be nice if Spike Lee could read his notes, or better yet not have to use notes at all, when doing his racist hit on your President, who has done more for African Americans (Criminal Justice Reform, Lowest Unemployment numbers in History, Tax Cuts,etc.) than almost any other Pres!”