Spike Lee has told an audience of entertainment luminaries that it’s easier for a black person to become President of the United States than head of a Hollywood studio or network.

The filmmaker made the remarks as he accepted an Oscar statuette at the film academy’s seventh annual Governors Awards dinner in Hollywood, where Gena Rowlands and Debbie Reynolds were also honourees.

“We need to have some serious discussions about diversity and get some flavour up in this,” Spike said. “This industry is so behind sports it’s ridiculous.”

Spike Lee
Spike Lee (Chris Pizzello/Invision)

The filmmaker praised Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Cheryl Boone Isaacs for “trying to do something that needs to be done”. Earlier in the evening, Isaacs called on the industry powers in attendance to take action toward “recognising and embracing a broad cross-section of talent”. She also announced the academy’s new five-year plan to improve diversity in its staff and governance.

Isaacs opened the Governors Awards ceremony with condolences for France in the wake of the terrorist attacks.

“All of us here stand in solidarity and support of France and the French people,” she said. “Our connection with the film-loving French is especially deep.”

Spike offered “peace and love to people in France” as he received his award. Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes and Samuel L Jackson brought the filmmaker onstage for his Oscar.

Spike Lee at the Governors Awards
Denzel Washington, Samuel L Jackson and Wesley Snipes honour Spike Lee (Chris Pizzello/Invision)

“Spike Lee has put more African-Americans to work in this business than anyone else in this business,” Denzel said in his introduction.

Cate Blanchett and Laura Linney each paid tribute to Gena Rowlands, calling her a trailblazer and inspiration. The 85-year-old actress, whose career spans six decades, received her Oscar from her son, Nick Cassavettes, who directed his mother in 2004′s The Notebook. He noted that the award was “the first Oscar in the family”.

Looking lovingly at the golden trophy, Gena thanked the academy governors for “introducing me to this fine fellow”.

“He’s very handsome,” she said. “You know, he’s just so elegant… I think I’ll take him home.”

Gena Rowlands
Gena Rowlands with her son Nick Cassavettes (Chris Pizzello/AP)

Debbie Reynolds received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Jane Fonda and Meryl Streep introduced the 83-year-old entertainer, who was unable to attend the ceremony.

Debbie was recognised for her decades-long commitment to various charities, including the mental health organisation she founded, the Thalians. Her granddaughter accepted her statuette.

Other famous faces at the starry dinner included Johnny Depp and wife Amber Heard, Ice Cube, Mark Ruffalo, Quentin Tarantino and Sir Michael Caine.

Here are some of the other big names who graced the red carpet.

Dame Helen Mirren

Dame Helen Mirren
Dame Helen Mirren (Jordan Strauss/Invision)

Will Smith and Idris Elba

Will Smith and Idris Elba
Will Smith and Idris Elba (Jordan Strauss/Invision)

Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz

Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz
Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz (Jordan Strauss/Invision)

Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel
Zooey Deschanel (Jordan Strauss/Invision)

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan (Jordan Strauss/Invision)

Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan
Carey Mulligan (Jordan Strauss/Invision)

Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara
Rooney Mara (Jordan Strauss/Invision)