Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry paid tribute to the filmmaker who gave her her first break in Hollywood, Spike Lee, when she presented him with an award at the third annual Directors Guild of America Awards on Sunday night.
Spike, who has directed and produced more than 25 films, cast Halle in his 1992 feature Jungle Fever. Her role as crack addict Vivian proved to be her cinematic breakthrough and paved the way for her ascension to Oscar status. Earlier this year, she became the first black woman to scoop the Best Actress gong for her turn in the drama Monster’s Ball.
“I love you for the artist you are, the humanitarian you are and for daring to always stand up and be who you are,” said 33-year-old Halle as she presented Spike with his accolade. In his acceptance speech, the filmmaker in turn thanked his grandmother, who paid to put him through college and graduate school.
The Directors Guild Awards of America (DGA) are awarded to individuals and organisations which have made distinguished contributions to American culture in films and TV.
Other presenters taking part in the gala ceremony at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel included former DGA honouree Martin Scorcese, Alicia Silverstone and Tim Robbins. The awards were postponed from their original date, November 17, because of the September 11 attacks.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
