Malcolm X

Spike Lee

Lee is the acclaimed, controversial and unapologetic director of a series of films, many of which examine racial divides.

A graduate of NYU Film School, he gained notice with the 1986 movie "She's Gotta Have It," which involved several black men competing for the love... more of a sexy woman. In "Do the Right Thing," Lee explored how a series of events led to a race riot in Brooklyn. In "Jungle Fever," he depicted the various dimensions of an interracial relationship. Some consider his biographical film "Malcolm X" to be one of his greatest successes. He has acted in many of his films, playing Mars Blackmon in "She's Gotta Have It" and Mookie in "Do the Right Thing."

Lee has also done acclaimed documentary work, including "4 Little Girls," "When the Levees Broke" and "Get on the Bus." (Seth Kushner/Retna Ltd.)