Ryan Coogler’s emotional reaction to Spike Lee watching Sinners reached new heights when the celebrated director declared the film his best cinematic experience in years. This heartfelt exchange took place in Brooklyn, as Coogler shared the story during an appearance on the podcast 7PM in Brooklyn, revealing the depth of admiration and impact between two iconic filmmakers.
Spike Lee’s Response Leaves Coogler Moved
While speaking with hosts Carmelo Anthony and Kazeem Famuyide, Ryan Coogler recounted his powerful feelings as he watched Spike Lee experience Sinners for the first time. The moment proved so overwhelming that Coogler admitted,
“I cried, bro, I had to hide my– he was jumping around like– I was wiping tears out of my eyes, bro.”
The significance stemmed in part from Lee’s enthusiastic reaction, which Coogler described as something he never expected.
Famuyide had asked about Coogler’s thoughts on Lee declaring Sinners the best film experience he has had in years. For Coogler, whose cinematic inspirations include Lee’s culturally influential films like Malcolm X and Do the Right Thing, the endorsement was deeply meaningful. The opportunity to share a powerful film experience with Lee, especially in an IMAX theater, was a full-circle moment celebrating cinematic storytelling across generations.
“For me to give Spike a cinematic experience. I’m just paying him back with interest, bro,”
said Coogler of Lee, highlighting his gratitude for the inspiration Lee provided him as a kid.
Spike Lee Lauds ‘Sinners’ and Its Creativity
Lee has long been known for his keen eye and influential voice within the industry. His appreciation for Sinners was shared publicly in March, when he posted on Instagram following the film’s IMAX premiere. The post included a photograph of Lee and Coogler together, capturing a moment of respect and camaraderie.
“I just had the greatest experience of watching a film in years. My brother Ryan Coogler invited me to experience his new film ‘Sinners’ (in IMAX),”
Lee wrote in his post. He went on to praise the artistry of Coogler and the film’s team:
“His magnificent artistry as a storyteller is on another level … Brother Michael B. Jordan did his ‘thang, thang. Da performances, cinematography, production design, costume design, original score, songs, visual effects are dope. And what else ya want? Last thing I told my brother Ryan, ‘he really, 100, tapped into our ancestors on this joint. And dats da Black cinematic power, truth, Ruth. Ya dig.”
— Spike Lee, Filmmaker
Reflecting further on the moment, Coogler expressed the impact of Lee’s praise by saying,
“It meant the world to me to hear him say that.”
He then lightheartedly said,
“I’m sh–g in the IMAX theater showing Spike Lee the movie. He likes it?”
— Ryan Coogler, Director
‘Sinners’ Breaks Box Office Records
Sinners marks Coogler’s fifth feature and premiered on April 18, drawing large audiences and critics alike. The film managed to gross $351.6 million globally, with its debut marking the highest domestic opening weekend for an original movie in this decade. This achievement even surpassed the opening numbers for Jordan Peele’s successful Nope, further underlining the wide-reaching impact of Sinners and Coogler’s creative vision.
The Cross-Generational Influence of Storytelling
The emotional exchange between Coogler and Lee, rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to culturally significant cinema, highlights the ongoing influence of Black storytellers in the film industry. Spike Lee’s legacy as the creator of films like Mo’ Better Blues continues to inspire new generations, with Coogler’s Sinners now adding to those narratives.
As Lee prepares his next project, Highest 2 Lowest, and Coogler continues to receive praise for his work, the connection showcased during this IMAX screening signals a powerful moment for both filmmakers and audiences. The recognition of artistic talent by peers not only enriches individual careers but propels the ongoing evolution of storytelling as a whole.
