Deadline reports that Spike Lee is set to win the Board of Governors Award from the American Society of Cinematographers at their 38th Annual ASC Outstanding Achievement Award gala next month. The award celebrates Lee’s long and prolific career in the film industry. According to ASC’s website, this award celebrates both actors and creatives “who are champions for directors of photography and the visual art form.” Previous winners include Viola Davis, Sofia Coppola, Jeff Bridges, Angelina Jolie, Denzel Washington, Ridley Scott, Barbra Streisand, Harrison Ford, Julia Roberts, Christopher Nolan, Morgan Freeman, Francis Ford Coppola, Sally Field, Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg.

ASC President Shelly Johnson says “Spike Lee is one of the most brilliant filmmakers of our time and the social impact of his work is immeasurable. This award celebrates his respect for the partnership between director and cinematographer, and how two people unite to tell a visual story in a way that can only be recognized as that of collaboration.” 

Spike Lee began his career as a writer-director in 1986 with the small budget film She’s Gotta Have It. He went on to make perhaps his most famous and impactful film Do the Right Thing in 1989, which was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at that year’s Academy Awards. Lee has continued making films even into the 21st century, with recent hits BlacKkKlansman and Da 5 Bloods. The latter film won Lee the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay as well as nominations for Best Director and Best Picture. 

Lee will be given his award on March 3, 2024. Check here to learn more about the 38th Annual ASC Outstanding Achievement Awards.