Ryan Coogler’s emotional reaction to Spike Lee’s praise for his film “Sinners” has captured attention, as the acclaimed director recently shared how much the recognition from Lee meant to him. This significant moment unfolded during Coogler’s appearance on Carmelo Anthony’s “7 PM In Brooklyn” podcast, where he spoke about the experience and its impact on him as a filmmaker.
Ryan Coogler Opens Up About His Response to Spike Lee’s Praise
Ryan Coogler, an Oscar-winning filmmaker, admitted to being deeply moved when he learned that Spike Lee, a legendary figure in the industry, thoroughly enjoyed “Sinners.” The conversation with Carmelo Anthony highlighted just how profound this approval was for Coogler, who has regarded Lee as a major inspiration throughout his career.
“So for me to give Spike [Lee] a cinematic experience. I’m just paying him back with interest, bro. It meant the world to me to hear him say that. I cried, bro– I had to hide my–he was jumping around like–I was wiping tears out of my eyes, bro. I’m sh*tting in the IMAX theater showing Spike Lee the movie. He likes it?”
—Ryan Coogler, Filmmaker
During the conversation, Coogler described the overwhelming moment of sharing the film with Lee in an IMAX theater and realizing the deep positive reception it received. The emotional gravity of the situation was apparent, signaling just how important Lee’s validation was for Coogler both professionally and personally.
Spike Lee’s Public Recognition of ‘Sinners’ and Coogler’s Artistry
Spike Lee did not keep his appraisal private. Taking to Instagram, he commended Ryan Coogler’s work, publicly detailing his admiration for “Sinners” and praising aspects ranging from the performances to the production design. Lee’s message underlined the film’s artistic achievements and the talent involved, singling out Michael B. Jordan as well as the movie’s creative elements.
“Watching A Film In Years. My Brother, RYAN COOGLER, Invited Me To Experience His New Film, SINNERS (In IMAX). His Magnificent Artistry As A Storyteller Iz On A Annudder Level. And Y’now 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,”
—Spike Lee, Director
The acknowledgment from Lee—who attended a screening in Los Angeles—reinforced the connection between two significant voices in contemporary Black cinema. Lee’s appreciation resonated with Coogler and was echoed across the film community and among fans.
Family Reaction and The Impact of ‘Sinners’ at Home
Coogler also revealed that his children have not yet been allowed to see “Sinners,” despite their curiosity and excitement about the project. The filmmaker described how the time spent on the movie has been a transformative period for his family, particularly his son and daughter. Throughout the production, he noticed significant changes in his children, showing how closely intertwined his personal and professional worlds have become.
“By the time we finish, my son is literally a different person. That’s two, three years. He goes from having a few words to being like, Hey dad, what’s wrong with you today, man? My daughter goes from, I like Bluey to the other day, we go into the premiere and she’s like, when am I going to see this movie? Everybody’s dressing up. I’m getting tired of this sh*t. When am I going? I mean, straight up literally sat me and my wife down so when am I seeing this thing that y’all have been missing, for making [this movie]…”
—Ryan Coogler, Filmmaker
His daughter’s persistent questions about seeing the film mirror the anticipation and expectations surrounding “Sinners.” For Coogler, the family’s evolving relationship with his work is another reminder of the personal stakes involved in each project.
Working Relationships and Hopes for Future Collaborations
Another topic that arose was Coogler’s ambition to collaborate with Denzel Washington in an upcoming project such as Black Panther 3. Discussing his connection to Washington, Coogler made clear the respect and admiration he holds for the celebrated actor, positioning him not just as a peer but as someone akin to family. The possibility of Washington joining the Marvel franchise has stirred interest among fans and industry watchers alike.
“All of the above, bro. Yeah, all of the above there. There’s no fiction out there…Denzel is family at this point… I’ve been trying to work with him since day one. He on the list. I think he’s the greatest living actor and in terms of what he means to our culture. I’ve been talking to him about this for a long time. Yeah, I was surprised. I was surprised that when he mentioned it [Black Panther 3], but it’s not like it’s not true.”
—Ryan Coogler, Filmmaker
This openness about long-term aspirations demonstrates Coogler’s commitment to working within a tradition of excellence and collaboration, referencing Oscar winner Denzel Washington as a guiding influence for the next Black Panther installment.
The Lasting Influence of Spike Lee and the Future of Coogler’s Career
Spike Lee’s public and personal support of “Sinners” stands as a significant moment in Ryan Coogler’s career, reinforcing the connection between two generations of influential filmmakers. The emotional resonance of Lee’s words for Coogler signals both the power of recognition within the creative community and the ongoing impact that established artists have on emerging voices. As Coogler continues to navigate new projects and roles, including his hopes to bring Denzel Washington into the Marvel universe, this episode underscores the value of mentorship and legacy in filmmaking.
The unfolding story of “Sinners,” the reception from influential peers like Lee, and the anticipation building in Coogler’s own family highlight just how meaningful these cinematic achievements are—both within the industry and at home. The coming years could see further collaborations with icons like Denzel Washington, while the emotional response to praise from figures such as Spike Lee affirms that creative recognition still carries tremendous weight for even the most successful directors.
