Filmmaker Spike Lee was presented the key to New York City, and we must say “it’s about time.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio awarded the key to Spike Lee (real name Shelton Jackson “Spike” Lee) during his coronavirus briefing Tuesday, while recognizing his decades of artistry and local works.

“His voice is one of the truest voices of all New Yorkers,” De Blasio said. “The way he understands our city, loves our city, sees into our neighborhoods and our lives.”

Lee shared words during the ceremony. “It’s very simple – I love New York City,” Lee said. “I live and die New York City, the greatest city in the world.”

The Do The Right Thing director is the 11th person to be given the key by  De Blasio. Other recipients athletes, patrons of the arts, and 9/11 advocates.

Along with Do the Right Thing, Lee is responsible for developing box office hits such as: Malcolm X, Inside Man, and BlacKkKlansman — which landed him an Oscar in 2019.

A few days ago, it was announced that the 64-year old director landed a multi-year film deal with Netflix. The partnership comes after Netflix’s collaborations with Lee on the Vietnam War drama Da 5 Bloods (which he wrote and directed).

While working with Lee, Netflix has committed to invest in and provide financial support for his ongoing mission to develop new talent and increase representation across the entertainment industry.

Lee is a living legend, and deserves a key and many other awards.