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.

Cast

Sidney Poitier Self (archive footage) Lee Grant Self Constance Towers Self

Foster Hirsch Self

Joanna Shimkus Self (archive) - Sidney Poitier's second wife Sydney Tamiia Poitier Self (archive) - Sydney Poitier's daughter

Metadata from the source database.