The acclaimed director Spike Lee has spoken out on the current Grammy Awards controversy over the Album of the Year award being given to Harry Styles rather than Beyoncé. In an interview with The Guardian, Lee noted that, while he is not a member of the Bey Hive, the singer’s audience, he loves and supports her.
The award-winning director went on to express his disgust with the Grammy Awards’ decision to reward Harry Styles over Beyoncé, despite the fact that the singer has been nominated for Album of the Year four times and has never won. Lee stated that it was not the fault of the winners; such as Adele or Harry Styles, but he labeled it “some straight-up bullshit.”
Lee emphasized the history of outstanding black artists who have been nominated for important honors but do not win; citing his own experience with the Oscars and Golden Globes for his film BlacKkKlansman. He spoke about the “tricky territory of validation” that black artists must navigate; as well as the choice between seeking validation from white awards and understanding that their work is outstanding regardless.
Beyoncé received numerous Grammy Awards, including Best Dance/Electronic Recording and Best Traditional R&B Performance; despite not winning Album of the Year. Beyoncé is the most honored artist in Recording Academy history, with 32 Grammys to her name.
