Spike Lee: Life in Film

During NYC’s racially hot summer of 1989, Lee—now known for tackling tough issues on film—attempts to capture the racial tension that exists during the season in the seemingly liberal Big Apple. Numerous scenes invoke noted moments of NYC racial violence like the Tawana Brawley rape case and the death of Michael Stewart at the hands of police. Lee gets an Oscar nomination for the screenplay.

(Photo: 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks)