A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Sidney Poitier across different fields.
Sidney Poitier was a trailblazing Bahamian-American actor, director, activist, and diplomat, renowned as the first African-American to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1964. His distinguished career garnered numerous accolades, including two Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a Grammy Award. He was recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the greatest screen legends. Poitier's impact extended beyond entertainment, as he served as a significant figure in the fight for civil rights and equality during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
1983: Legacy of A Raisin in the Sun
In 1983, Frank Rich of The New York Times wrote that A Raisin in the Sun "changed American theater forever", reflecting its lasting impact since its original production in 1959 starring Sidney Poitier.
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1999: AFI Recognition
In 1999, Sidney Poitier was ranked among the "American Film Institute's 100 Stars".
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2001: Honorary Academy Award
In 2001, Sidney Poitier received the Honorary Academy Award for his overall contribution to American cinema.
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2002: Denzel Washington Wins Oscar
In 2002, during the Academy Awards ceremony, Denzel Washington saluted Sidney Poitier in his Best Actor victory speech, acknowledging Poitier's influence.
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2002: Denzel Washington's Tribute
In 2002, while presenting Sidney Poitier the Honorary Academy Award, Denzel Washington acknowledged Poitier's influence on African American actors.
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2012: Became Oldest Living Best Actor Winner
In 2012, with the death of Ernest Borgnine, Sidney Poitier became the oldest living recipient of the Academy Award for Best Actor.
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March 2, 2014: Presented at Academy Awards
On March 2, 2014, Sidney Poitier appeared with Angelina Jolie at the 86th Academy Awards to present the Best Director Award and was thanked for his contributions.
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2021: Academy Museum Dedication
In 2021, the academy dedicated the lobby of the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles as the "Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby" in his honor.
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January 19, 2022: Broadway Tribute
On January 19, 2022, Broadway theaters dimmed their lights at 7:45 pm ET as a tribute to Sidney Poitier.
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September 23, 2022: Sidney Documentary Release
On September 23, 2022, "Sidney", a documentary film about Poitier's life and legacy by Reginald Hudlin, was released.
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2022: Ebertfest Dedicated to Poitier
In 2022, the Ebertfest film festival announced it would be dedicating its event to the memory of Sidney Poitier and Gilbert Gottfried.
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