Spike Lee is thanking him for the WGA Career Achievement Award, but is also busy checking the New York Knicks’ score on his phone and crowing, “Boston Sucks!” – Look

When Spike Lee took the stage to accept the Ian McLellan Hunter Award for Career Achievement at the WGA Awards in New York, his beloved Knicks had just gone into overtime against their hated rivals, the Boston Celtics.

Lee made some heartfelt comments about the art of writing and paid tribute to his late mother, NYU and his wife. But after about a minute on stage, in a low and measured tone, the temptation of the moment became too great.

“If you can make a living doing what you love, that’s a W, not an L,” he said, the sports metaphor apparently prompting him to pull out his phone.

“Wait a minute, the Knicks are … let me get the score first. They’re in Boston,” he said, beginning to scroll as the crowd nervously laughed and applauded throughout the Edison Ballroom. “After a while!” shouted someone in the crowd. “It’s overtime?!” replied Lee. “Oh, we have to go!” He pretended to storm off the stage.

Considering where his team was playing, Lee couldn’t resist name-checking all of Boston’s other professional teams before declaring, “Boston sucks,” which drew a loud ovation.

The filmmaker would end his speech before the score was settled — Knicks 131, Celtics 129 in double overtime, New York’s ninth straight win — but even with that left turn in the middle, his speech delighted the audience.

John Turturro, who acted in several of Lee’s films, was supposed to present the award in person, but pulled out at the last minute. In a video message, Turturro said he has known Lee for 35 years and is “proud to call him a friend,” saying his “front seat on his journey is a privilege.” He called the filmmaker both a “true visionary” and a “powerful storyteller and a truly collaborative creator.”

Lee concluded by congratulating others who had won awards earlier in the evening. “Writing is no joke, you know,” he said. It is not easy. So…let’s hope the Knicks win in overtime, thanks.”

Watch Lee’s speech above. His comments begin at 7:58.