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Spike Lee lauds academy changes, still plans to skip Oscars

This image provided by courtesy of the Sundance Institute and Optimum Productions shows director Spike Lee whose documentary film, "Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall," is included among the documentaries premiering at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. The festival runs Jan. 21-31, 2016. (Kerwin DeVonish/Sundance Institute/Optimum Productions via AP) This image provided by courtesy of the Sundance Institute and Optimum Productions shows director Spike Lee whose documentary film, "Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall," is included among the documentaries premiering at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. The festival runs Jan. 21-31, 2016. (Kerwin DeVonish/Sundance Institute/Optimum Productions via AP)

By Associated Press January 23, 2016 1 min read

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) – Spike Lee applauds the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for making changes to increase diversity in its ranks, but he is still skipping the Academy Awards.

In an interview with The Associated Press on Saturday, the filmmaker said he thinks the changes could help, and the Academy is trying to do the right thing. And while he commends the move, he said it does not change his mind about attending the Feb. 28 ceremony.

Lee is among the artists receiving the film academy’s Governors Award this year. He said instead of being at the Oscars, he and his wife will be at Madison Square Garden sitting courtside to cheer on the New York Knicks as they play the Miami Heat.

Said Lee: “We have principles.”