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Sidney Poitier - The Man Who Changed Hollywood

Exceptionally talented actor and bridge-builder between black and white, a political icon and artist at the same time: that was Sidney Poitier. He made Hollywood history in 1964 when he became the first black man to win an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role − and thus became the first international black superstar. He grew up in poor circumstances in the Bahamas − with only a few years of schooling. Despite this humble start, Sidney Poitier became a film legend committed artistically and politically against all odds. What compromises did he have to make? What shaped him? This documentary gives an intimate insight into the eventful life of the actor and director, who died in January 2022 at the age of 94.

Top Cast

  • Sidney Poitier

    Sidney Poitier

    Self (archive footage)

  • Lee Grant

    Lee Grant

    Self

  • Constance Towers

    Constance Towers

    Self

  • Foster Hirsch

    Foster Hirsch

    Self

  • Joanna Shimkus

    Joanna Shimkus

    Self (archive) - Sidney Poitier's second wife

  • Sydney Tamiia Poitier

    Sydney Tamiia Poitier

    Self (archive) - Sydney Poitier's daughter

Overview

Exceptionally talented actor and bridge-builder between black and white, a political icon and artist at the same time: that was Sidney Poitier. He made Hollywood history in 1964 when he became the first black man to win an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role − and thus became the first international black superstar. He grew up in poor circumstances in the Bahamas − with only a few years of schooling. Despite this humble start, Sidney Poitier became a film legend committed artistically and politically against all odds. What compromises did he have to make? What shaped him? This documentary gives an intimate insight into the eventful life of the actor and director, who died in January 2022 at the age of 94.

Rating

3.0 / 10
4 Reviews
0 Popular

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