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TO HONOR SPIKE LEE AS THE 2008 WEXNER PRIZE RECIPIENT.
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WHEREAS, Mr. Spike Lee is an Emmy Award winning, and Academy Award nominated American film director, producer, writer, and actor noted for his films that focus on social and political awareness, and is among the most significant voices in American cinema and one of the most well known and respected writers and directors of our time; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lee's films have creatively and passionately captured his independent vision of the American experience with a combination of unique portrayals of race, sexuality, humor and tragedy; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lee, who teaches film at New York University and Columbia University, also leads a Production company, "40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks," which has produced over 35 films since 1983; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lee's career has been marked by his fierce independence and his ability to invoke a wide array of emotions and reactions through his films; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lee epitomizes the ideals of the Wexner Prize, which was first awarded in 1992 and honors contemporary artists whose work has been consistently original, influential, challenging and provocative; and
WHEREAS, the Wexner Center will celebrate Mr. Lee's achievements with a selection of his films in a series that runs all through the month of February; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lee will be honored with the Wexner Prize on February 11-12, 2008 and will be engaging in a series of events to include a dinner, symposium, discussion with OSU students and the opportunity for open dialogue with the members of the general public regarding his work; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That the Columbus City Council recognizes Mr. Spike Lee for his exceptional innovation, artistic quality and overall contributions to American film, and congratulates him on being the 2008 Wexner Prize Recipient.