Hollywood lost one of its most iconic actors today – Sidney Poitier, Hollywood’s first Black leading man. He was the the first Black man to be nominated for and win an Academy Award.
In a career spanning 40+ years, Poitier starred in some of the most influential films dealing with the tricky issues of race. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? and In The Heat Of The Night are must-watch films in the Golden Age canon that deserve to be watched by a contemporary audience.
Poitier was 94 years old and passed away peacefully at his home in his native Bahamas.
Here is accepting his Best Actor Oscar for Lillies of the Field.
Sidney Poitier’s Oscar speech after being the first Black Actor to win best leading Actor pic.twitter.com/T9CDlPb6P4
— Wong kar-wai stan (@cinephilejen) January 7, 2022
Hollywood Pays Tribute To Sidney Poitier
To say he was a trailblazer was an understatement.
Sidney Poitier bore a responsibility no other actor of his era had to carry. He didn’t choose to represent all Black men, but as the sole Black leading man in a business uncomfortable with more than one, such was his lot. Still, he delivered nuance, charm, & honesty to each role.
— Ben Mankiewicz (@BenMank77) January 7, 2022
Sidney Poitier (1927 — 2022) pic.twitter.com/mLudlS6H32
— MUBI (@mubi) January 7, 2022
Oprah paid tribute to her friend.
Sidney Poitier ? pic.twitter.com/otVjSFHaw8
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) January 7, 2022
Other Hollywood stars paid their respects as well.
To be in the presence of Sidney Poitier was to be in the presence of grace, dignity, and humanity. And a pretty great actor too. R.I.P.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) January 7, 2022
We lost an elegant King today. Thank you Sidney Poitier. For not only opening the door, but for walking in this world with endless grace and excellence, so that today, still, we follow behind you, reaching toward the example that you set. Rest In Peace and in Power. We love you. pic.twitter.com/CP2ga9KiHu
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 7, 2022
I’m slightly jealous he took a picture with the unrequited love of my life, Halle Berry.
December 2010: Sidney Poitier and Halle Berry for @THR‘s “Legends” issue https://t.co/zMc3LCL5Ww pic.twitter.com/Ok18ifpTmD
— Hollywood Reporter Archives (@THRArchives) January 7, 2022
Sidney Poitier. What a landmark actor. One of a kind. What a beautiful, gracious, warm, genuinely regal man. RIP, Sir. With love.
(?Sam Falk/NYT) pic.twitter.com/5ZaKxxPdxw
— Jeffrey Wright (@jfreewright) January 7, 2022
He was The Bahamas Ambassador to Japan, and he also sat on Disney’s Board of Directors.
Former @disney board member Sidney Poitier was the most dignified man I’ve ever met. Towering…gentle…passionate…bold…kind…altogether special. pic.twitter.com/1ccPjqabkz
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) January 7, 2022
Here’s a video of Sidney Poitier reminiscing about his childhood:
My Memories Of Sidney Poitier
I will remember him for starring in my favorite movie of all time, the 1992 spy caper Sneakers. Poitier starred alongside a stellar cast including Robert Redford, River Phoenix, Ben Kingsley, David Strathairn, Dany Aykroyd, and Mary McDonnell. He also directed the comedic classic Stir Crazy starring Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder
Thanks for all you did for Hollywood and movies, Sir Sidney.
Were you a fan of Sidney Poitier? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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