BlacKkKlansman is a 2018 American biographical crime comedy-drama film directed by Spike Lee.
The screenplay was co-written by Lee, Charlie Wachtel, David Rabinowitz, and Kevin Willmott, and is based on the memoir Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth. The film stars John David Washington as Stallworth, the first African-American detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department, alongside Adam Driver, Laura Harrier, and Topher Grace.
Set in the early 1970s, the film follows Stallworth as he embarks on a daring mission to infiltrate and expose the local Ku Klux Klan chapter. Using a clever ruse, Stallworth manages to establish contact with the Klan over the phone, while enlisting the help of his Jewish colleague, Flip Zimmerman (played by Driver), to meet with Klan members in person. The film blends humor and drama to address themes of racism, identity, and the struggle against hate.
BlacKkKlansman premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2018, where it won the Grand Prix. It was released in theaters on August 10, 2018, coinciding with the first anniversary of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The film received widespread critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and timely commentary on race relations in America. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning Best Adapted Screenplay, marking a significant achievement for Lee.
The film grossed approximately $93.4 million worldwide against a budget of $15 million, further solidifying its status as a powerful and relevant cinematic work. BlacKkKlansman stands out as a poignant exploration of the complexities of race and identity, showcasing Lee's signature style and ability to provoke thought while entertaining audiences.