In 2020, Spike Lee was named as the Jury President for the 73rd Cannes Film Festival. Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, much of the event was held online, with no red carpet, or in-person viewings. In 2021, when the event returned, Lee returned as Jury President and was spotted wearing a unique pair of Air Jordan 1s.

Dubbed the Air Jordan 1 "Cannes Film Festival," the pair honors France's national colors by blending a lively mix of red, white, and blue across its upper. Additionally, it features elements that represent Spike Lee and his association with the renowned film event.

On the left sneaker, a portrayal of Lee's famous "Mars Blackmon" character, known from the iconic Nike "Spike and Mike" ads, adorns the tongue tag. Notable elements include the inscription of "Cannes" on Mars' cap, "President Mars" on his chain, and the incorporation of the French flag's colors on Mars' face, symbolizing Lee's role as Jury President at the esteemed festival.

On the left sneaker, Lee’s famous ‘Mars Blackmon’ character from the ‘Spike and Mike’ ads is portrayed. Additional details include, “Cannes” written on Mars' cap, “President Mars” on his chain, and the French flag’s colors on Mars’ face.

Conversely, the right sneaker features a depiction of Spike Lee himself against the backdrop of the French flag, donning his memorable purple Kobe Bryant tribute suit from the 2020 Oscars. The tongue tag proudly reads "Festival de Cannes" and "Jury President," further cementing Lee's association with the prestigious event.

Despite the widespread admiration for these unique Air Jordan 1s, they were never released to the public and are rumored to have been exclusively distributed to friends and family of Spike Lee and Jordan Brand. However, Lee's decision to showcase his pair as part of his Brooklyn Museum Exhibition "Creative Sources" in 2023 provided enthusiasts with a rare glimpse into this coveted piece of sneaker and film culture crossover.

On the Right sneaker, Spike Lee is portrayed in front of the French Flag, wearing his purple Kobe Bryant tribute suit from the 2020 Oscars. The tag reads ‘Festival de Cannes’ and ‘Jury President’.

Produced in extremely limited quantities, these pairs were never released to the public, and are rumored to have been just for friends and family of Spike Lee and Jordan Brand. Notably, Spike Lee exhibited his pair as part of his Brooklyn Museum Exhibition ‘Creative Sources’ in 2023.

Spike Lee's role as Jury President for the Cannes Film Festival in 2020 and 2021 brought attention not only to his directorial prowess but also to his unique sense of style, particularly his footwear choices.