This Moment In Black History- Sidney Poitier Became First Black Actor To Win An Oscar [VIDEO]
When you think of movies today, you think of actors like Tom Hanks, Ben Afleck, Meryl Streep and others. Even when you think of movies in the past, there was Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant and countless others. When we think of actors that portrayed us and did it positively, some may skip our minds. Well one man who all should pay respect for is Sidney Poitier. He paved the way for many like Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker and so many more. As we celebrate Black History Month, I want to make sure that I acknowledge him for his great body of work and let it be known that he was the first african american male to win an Oscar in 1964 for the movie "Lilies Of The Field". Check out his acceptance speech from almost 50 years ago!
Sidney Poitier Receiving Oscar at the Academy Awards in 1964:
Sidney Poiter receiving an Honorary Oscar Award:
Scene from the Oscar winning movie "Lilies Of The Field":