While everyone is still talking about Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s chemistry days after the Oscars, I’m still fondly remembering the director-romance between Barbra Streisand and Spike Lee. When Streisand came out on the Oscar stage, many people probably wondered if she was there to do some kind of something about A Star Is Born, considering she was in the last version of it. But no: she did the Best Picture presentation for BlacKkKlansman, a film which she tweeted about throughout 2018. She saw it early and loved it. But did you know that she was the one to contact the Academy and ask if she could appear on the Oscars to honor the film? Isn’t that great? And did you also know that Spike and Babs cozied up together at the VF Oscar party and Spike basically treated her like a queen?
Spike Lee didn’t even try to hide it: He was upset that “Green Book” won best picture. As soon as Julia Roberts announced the Academy Award winner, Lee jumped from his seat and walked down the aisle toward the exit, gesticulating wildly and visibly angry.
But by the time he had made it to the Governors Ball after-party about an hour later, he had gotten a few glasses of champagne in him and seemed to be in higher spirits… Lee was whisked to a booth where Barbra Streisand was sitting, flanked by numerous security guards stationed to make sure no one took a photo of her unless she allowed with her explicit permission.
Lee and Streisand — the latter of whom apparently contacted the academy to request she introduce “BlacKkKlansman,” her favorite movie of the year — huddled close for about 20 minutes as he downed a glass of champagne and kissed her hand repeatedly. She admired his Love/Hate gold knuckle rings and asked to hold his Oscar for a joint photo.
I have no idea if all of this between Spike and Babs was just for show, but I suspect that there is probably a great deal of genuine affection between them. They’re both from Brooklyn, they’ve both been notably snubbed by the Academy Awards for their work as directors, they’ve both felt marginalized within the Hollywood community. Plus, they just seem to get a kick out of each other.
I was so happy for Spike Lee last night. pic.twitter.com/vcZm0dXM0q
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) February 25, 2019
Photos courtesy of Getty.
I love how in the picture she chose to put on her social media, she looks great and he’s making a semi-awkward face. Never change Babs. *laughing emoji*
I love her. She’s so…..Streisand.
I prefer “difficult” people because they’re leagues more interesting. I love Babs.
Some other favorites: Anfisa from 90 Day Fiance, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Rupert Everett, Ursula from the Little Mermaid, Lord Byron… 🙂
I was genuinely shocked to see her at the Oscars gushing about Spike and Blackkklansmen. I was sure that was a good omen for things to come. Sigh…The report from the party is cute as can be and I’m glad they got a chance to meet in person.
OMG !!!!!
Spike and I are in the same age group…
We grew UP on Babs…marveled at her voice…wished she would do a R&B record (still wishing THAT) ….watched her movies…
So yea…this doesn’t surprise me one bit!
I can see them hitting it off, they’re both interesting people who have been in the business forever.
Agreed. They both have had interesting, cutting edge careers (albeit different), are both respected for their talent, etc. I am surprised that Barbra was the one who contacted the Academy, I said on another post that I was sure it was the Academy who contacted her for A Star Is Born and she said Nope.
Can you blame her? Can you imagine trying to share a stage with thirsty Gaga?! Racist green book creators? I would have been all over Spike as well him or the Roma ppl would have been who I would have gravitated to.
I always love it when there are “unexpected” friendships with celebrities!
Not surprised at all. She has a good twitter, she’s on the right(I mean correct)side of history. And, bonus, she posts pictures of her gorgeous dogs. If I’d had to guess which film she favored, no question, BK.
I want them to work on a project together. The promotion will be awesome.
Just look at him. He was living his best life! I’m into this friendship.
Spike obviously adores her, he does not act like that with many people!