From KCRW, I'm Kim Masters, and this is the business.

It's been my viewpoint that when one is an artist, if the goal is a Grammy or Tony or an Oscar,

you know, that definitely is going to affect the art. If you're chasing for something,

that might not coincide with being truthful to the story.

It's a good thing Spike Lee feels that way.

Over his more than 30-year career, he's gotten a lot of accolades for his work,

but he's never been nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture or Best Director.

This year, however, Black Klansman has him looking like a contender.

The film is based on the true story of Black police officer Ron Stallworth,

who went undercover with the KKK in the 1970s.

Lee and star John David Washington are our guests today.

Washington tells us about getting to spend some time being a normal kid away from Hollywood,

despite having a very famous father, and why he moved from football to acting.

And Lee explains why he likes to circumvent agents when he casts his films.

But first on the news banter, John Lasseter returns from exile.

Stick around, it's the business from KCRW. Music First on the news banter, John Lasseter returns from exile.

Stick around. It's the business from KCRW.

I am joined by my partner in banter.

Matt Bellany of the Hollywood reporter.

Hello, Matt.

Hi there.

Well, so people accused of sexual misconduct take heart. John Lasseter has a new job.

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