Highest 2 Lowest Director Spike Lee on the Knicks at Cannes – ryan

Photo: Sameer al-Duomy/AFP Via Getty Images

Spike Lee Touched Down at Cannes Today to Support His Latest Film, Highest 2 LowestWhich Premieres in Competition Tomorrow and Stars Denzel Washington and A $ Ap Rocky. I Approache Him at an Intimate Party, Hosted by Hyde Beach Campari and The Hollywood Reporter, And before I knew it, we were sitting down at a table overlooking the ocean and he was reminischecking about cannes past, marveling at the Knicks’ Playoff Success, and Scrolling Through his Instagram, explaining his Photos to me. At the end of our converse, of spontaneously deciding to bring up the last (and only) we previously interacted.

Wen’d you get in? Are you jet-lagged?
A little bit. I got in this morning. And here for a minute.

What Number Cannes is this for you?
The first time was in 1986. She’s gotta have it. This is my fifth or my sixth. And that was the President of the Jury in 2021.

What sticks out to you from being jury president?
Oh! When i gave away the palme d’or winner (Julia ducournau) Right Away (Laughs).

What Feels Different About Cannes to You AFTER ALL OF THESE YEARS?
The World Changes, SO the Festival Changes. But it’s always been a great experience for me. And it’s also where films are introded to the world. Not JUST American Filmmakers.

How have you changed? How do you feel different as a filmmaker?
I’m a lot Older Now. I’m 68! I think i’m getting better, you know? I’m gonna kep building a body of work. But i’m particularly excited to be here with Denzel Washington. I’ve been told it’s the first time he’s been here. The World Premiere of Will the right Thing was at Cannes, May 19, 1989. And the World Premiere of Highest 2 Lowest Is May 19, 2025. And more importantly, Tomorrow, May 19, Is Malcolm X’s Birthday. SO it LINED UP. IT’S DENZEL’s first film here at Cannes, and he gave the performance as Malcolm X.

What would you make of that? Is that some kind of sign from the universe?
Hell yeah. Numeology. Some Things JUST, you can Say it is God, Allah, the Spirit… Its a Mystery when Things line up. But i don’t think it’s a mistake.

How Are You Feeling About The Knicks Right Now?
You know i’m missing games one and two!

Would you Rather be there? If you had to choose…
I can’t split myself in half. But i’m there spiritually.

Do you have any superstitions when you go to the games? Do you Wear or Say Certain Things? Sit in a Certain Way?
I’ll tel you this. I DON’T WEAR KELLY GREEN! (Laughs maniacally) The Only Green i have is probably jet jersey, signed. Other than that, have no green. HELL NO! Have you seen the footage from the game the other night?

No, i’ve ben here!
IT’S A RIOT IN NEW YORK CITY! You haven’t seen it? You gotta go on Instagram. HOLD ON. I need to go get my phone. Go on Instagram! Its Complete Mayhem. I gotta get my phone.

(He gets up and leaves for several minutes, then returns and opens his Instagram and Begins Scrolling Through his Photos, showing say to me.)

Will you do your Own Instagram?
Official Spike Lee. Yeah!

Is that a plans?
No! Delta.

I thought maybe you were balling out on the way to cannes.
I’m Not Denzel Washington! (Laughs) Look. I’m posing like my man Steph Curry. Do you know what this is is? This is a knicks flag on Martha’s vineyard. Look at these Timbs.

Are Those Custom?
Yeah, at the store in soho, they laser say on. (He points to a Photo of Himself and Timothée Chalamet at The Knicks Game.)

What would you and Timmy Talk About?
The Knicks!

JUST The Knicks?
The Knicks!

Who’s a Bigger Fan?
(He gives with a long, intense look.) Is the pope catholic? Did the pope go to villanova?

Who’s your favorite knick of all time?
Walt Frazier. He’s my guy growing up as a kid. Do you have internet here? You have to go look at what happy in New York City. Its Bedlam. II INSANE. More than New Year’s Eve.

Will You Join The Bedlam Wen You Get Back?
There’s a Shot of Driving Through the Crowd in My White Escalade. You know what People Were Saying? People Said I’m The Knicks Pope. You gotta watch this on Instagram.

I promise to look it up.
I’m Not Catholic, Though. (Laughs) I’m the atheist pope.

Okay, Speaking of you being in a Crowd in a Car, I have a story for you. Ten years ago I was at a beyoncé show.
Where?

In Brooklyn, I think. Or Maybe Queens.
Barclays Center?

I can’t remember. But there was wal-to-wall traffic back to the City and no Cabs and the subways were packed and i was trying to get to manhattan, and you were sitting in traffic with Windows down in a huge black. And i opening to be standing in the street next to your car and i said, “Spike! Can i get a ride back to the city with you?” And you laughed and said, “No way!” Anyway, i’m sorry, Becauses that was insane of me.
(Laughs) Aw, man. Of Apologize.