Sidney Poitier - The Man Who Changed Hollywood

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.

Cast

Sidney Poitier

Self (archive footage)

Lee Grant

Self

Constance Towers

Self

N/A

Foster Hirsch

Self

Joanna Shimkus

Self (archive) - Sidney Poitier's second wife

Sydney Tamiia Poitier

Self (archive) - Sydney Poitier's daughter