HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Sidney Poitier- To Sir with Love (Happy Birthday Mr. Poitier)


A novice teacher faces a class of rowdy, undisciplined working-class punks in this classic film that reflected some of the problems and fears of teens in the 60s. Sidney Poitier gives one of his finest performances as Mark Thackeray, an out-of-work engineer who turns to teaching in London’s tough East End. Continue reading

1/10/22 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: No Way Out “1950”- Sidney Poitier, Richard Widmark

No Way Out is a 1950 American film noir and drama directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and starring Richard Widmark, Sidney Poitier, Linda Darnell, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Dot Johnson and Amanda Randolph who portrays a doctor tending to slum residents whose ethics are tested when confronted with racism, personified by Richard Widmark as the hateful robber Ray Biddle. Continue reading

8/24/20 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: In the Heat of the Night- Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger

Sidney Poitier, in one of his most-celebrated roles, appears as Virgil Tibbs, a Philadelphia homicide detective who, while visiting a small Mississippi town, will find himself falsely arrested for a murder and then, in a strained collaboration with the town’s sheriff (Rod Steiger), stays on to help solve the murder. Continue reading

2/12/18 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Raisin In The Sun (1961)

Raisin In The Sun (1961) is a groundbreaking drama celebrating the human spirit, featuring an electrifying performance by Academy Award  winner Sidney Poitier (Best Actor, Lilies of the Field, 1963). Continue reading

2/27/17 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: In The Heat Of The Night

Hollywood Mondays

MPW-55059

In the Heat of the Night is a 1967 dramatic mystery film directed by Norman Jewison starring Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, and Warren Oates. The movie is based on the 1965 John Ball novel of the same name, which tells the story of Virgil Tibbs (Poitier). Tibbs is a black police detective from Philadelphia, who becomes involved in a murder investigation in a racist small town in Mississippi. Continue reading

11/10/15 O&A NYC Inspirational Tuesday: Sidney Poitier

Inspirational-Tuesday

1393370252000-BHM-Poiter-Oscar

In 1964 Poitier became the first Bahamian and first African-American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor, for his role in Lilies of the Field. Three years later in 1967, Poitier starred in three successful films, all of which dealt with issues involving race and race relations: To Sir, with Love; In the Heat of the Night; and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, making him the top box-office star of the year.

2bfa8769ce9c1a7561b8c47c8c6bf725

Anne Bancroft presents Sidney Poitier the Oscar for Best Actor for Lilies of the Field at the 36th Academy Awards. Hosted by Jack Lemmon.

Sidney Poitier Wins Best Actor: 1964 Oscars

A020325_KNE_SIDNEY2_V

Denzel Washington presents an Honorary Oscar for his body of work to Sidney Poitier at the 74th Annual Academy Awards.  

Sidney Poitier Receives an Honorary Award: 2002 Oscars

Annex - Poitier, Sidney (Lilies of the Field)_NRFPT_01

This is the final scene in the film directed by Ralph Nelson. It’s the scene where Homer Smith, played by Sidney Poitier leaves Mother Maria, played by Lilia Skala after building them a chapel. After taking one last look at the chapel he built, Smith, knowing that his work is done, slips into his car and drives quietly off into the night.

Lilies of the Field – Amen

11/9/15 O&A NYC Hollywood Monday: In the Heat of the Night

Hollywood Mondays

MPW-55059

In the Heat of the Night is a 1967 dramatic mystery film directed by Norman Jewison starring Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, and Warren Oates. The movie is based on the 1965 John Ball novel of the same name, which tells the story of Virgil Tibbs (Poitier). Tibbs is a black police detective from Philadelphia, who becomes involved in a murder investigation in a racist small town in Mississippi. Continue reading