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Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier (February 20, 1927 – January 6, 2022) was a groundbreaking Bahamian-American actor, film director, activist, and diplomat. Known for roles that defied racial stereotypes, Poitier rose to prominence in a time of significant social change in America. In 1964, he became the first Black actor and first Bahamian to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. He received numerous other accolades including two Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a Grammy Award, and was also honored with nominations for two Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. Poitier was ranked among the 'American Film Institute's 100 Stars' in 1999 and is remembered as one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema. Born prematurely in Miami, Florida during his parents' visit from the Bahamas, Poitier obtained U.S. citizenship. His acting journey began in New York City, where he joined the American Negro Theatre and landed his breakthrough film role in Blackboard Jungle (1955). Poitier's later roles in films like The Defiant Ones (1958), Porgy and Bess (1959), A Raisin in the Sun (1961), and A Patch of Blue (1965) helped shape the representation of African Americans in film. He also ventured into directing with films like Buck and the Preacher (1972) and A Warm December (1973). Besides his film career, Poitier has served as the Bahamian Ambassador to Japan and received honorary recognition from Queen Elizabeth II in 1974.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Sidney Poitier, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Sidney Poitier rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Sidney Poitier
Born: Miami, Florida, U.S.
Citizenship: American, Bahamian
Birthday: February 20, 1927
Occupations: Actor, Film Director, Diplomat
Years Active: 1946-2009
Children: 6
Spouses: Juanita Hardy, Joanna Shimkus
External Links and Streaming Options
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Awards and Nominations Received by Sidney Poitier
Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Sidney Poitier has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
Movies Featuring Sidney Poitier
In the Heat of the Night
Paris Blues
The Defiant Ones
Sneakers
A Patch of Blue
Sidney
Lilies of the Field
Blackboard Jungle
To Sir, with Love
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
The Wilby Conspiracy
Shoot to Kill
Little Nikita
A Raisin in the Sun
Porgy and Bess
Mr. SOUL!
A Star Without a Star: The Untold Juanita Moore Story
Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley
And the Oscar Goes To…
The Madding Crowd
Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart
The Last Brickmaker in America
The Making of ‘Sneakers’
Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light
Mr. SOUL!
Separate but Equal
Hanky Panky
Ghost Dad
Fast Forward
Night of 100 Stars II
Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night
Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project
The Spencer Tracy Legacy: A Tribute by Katharine Hepburn
Paul Newman: The Restless
AFI Life Achievement Award: 50th Anniversary Special
Cry, the Beloved Country
For Love of Ivy
Children of the Dust
A Piece of the Action
Buck and the Preacher
The Bedford Incident
Sepia Cinderella
The Greatest Story Ever Told
Let’s Do It Again
All the Young Men
The Long Ships
Nationtime
Go Man Go
The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn
Something of Value
Paul Robeson: Tribute to an Artist
David and Lisa
Edge of the City
Good-bye, My Lady
The Mark of the Hawk
Band of Angels
Wild Bill: Hollywood Maverick
Virgin Island
Mandela and de Klerk
They Call Me Mister Tibbs!
Pressure Point
Uptown Saturday Night
The Organization
Free of Eden
Duel at Diablo
Brother John
The Lost Man
A Cinderella Named Elizabeth
No Way Out
Scandalize My Name: Stories from the Blacklist
The Slender Thread
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Sidney Poitier, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2023
Paul Newman: The Restless
Self (archive footage)
AFI Life Achievement Award: 50th Anniversary Special
Self (archive footage)
1998
David and Lisa
Dr. Jack Miller
Scandalize My Name: Stories from the Blacklist
Reverend Msimangu (archive footage)
1988
Shoot to Kill
Little Nikita
Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night
Self - Audience Member
1965
A Patch of Blue
The Bedford Incident
Ben Munceford
The Greatest Story Ever Told
Simon of Cyrene
A Cinderella Named Elizabeth
Self
The Slender Thread
Alan Newell
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