SIDNEY POITIER

Viola Davis’ latest honor is not for her acting, but for her writing.

From Bradley Cooper to Steven Spielberg, some of Hollywood’s brightest stars came together to relax and sip wine in a fancy ballroom where everyone ended up walking away a winner at the American Film Institute Awards on Friday.

The Academy Awards are happening in March, and in the 94 years the event has been running, only 20 Black actors have won an acting Oscar.

Lincoln Center will honor Cate Blanchett with its 47th Chaplin Award at the arts organization’s annual fundraising gala.

Legendary actor, director and activist Sidney Poitier died of a combination of heart failure, Alzheimer’s dementia and prostate cancer, according to his death certificate. >> Related: Sidney Poitier, first Black man to win Best Actor Oscar, dies at 94According to NBC News, Poitier’s death certificate, issued by Los Angeles County, noted that the “To Sir, With Love” and “The Defiant Ones” actor’s career spanned 76 years. Specifically, the death certificate, obtained by CNN on Tuesday, listed cardiopulmonary failure as Poitier’s cause of death, with Alzheimer’s dementia and prostate cancer listed as underlying health issues. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 19 Photos: Sidney Poitier through the years Sidney Poitier admires the Oscar he has just received in Santa Monica, California, on April 13, 1964. He won Best Performance by an Actor for his role in the 1963 film Lilies of the Field.

Tributes have cascaded in since Sidney Poitier died. And so they should have. He was an unparalleled actor, a committed activist, and a beloved family member. He was also, frankly, a heartthrob.

A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.

I consider him a great friend of humanity.”That man was Sidney Poitier. Like King, Poitier projected ideals of respectability and integrity. They had decent values and helped white characters, and they often sacrificed themselves. Intertwined livesAnd then, the lives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Sidney Poitier intersected one final time. Aram Goudsouzian is Bizot Family Professor of History at the University of Memphis, and is the author of “Sidney Poitier: Man, Actor, Icon.”

The Oscar-winning actor-director talks with Lesley Stahl of his responsibility to portray characters possessing nothing less than moral strength and ethics.

Though the late actor was constrained by Hollywood’s disinterest in Black complexity, he fought to inject doses of reality into each of his performances.

A documentary about the life and career of Sidney Poitier is in production at Apple, and Oprah Winfrey has been tapped as executive producer. Sidney Poitier Documentary in Development at Apple, Oprah Winfrey Attached as Executive Producer https://t.co/OtOZ8e67hk — Variety (@Variety) January 8, 2022Reginald Hudlin will direct the documentary, according to The Hollywood Reporter. >> Sidney Poitier, first Black man to win Best Actor Oscar, dies at 94The documentary will come from Winfrey’s Harpo Productions and Network Entertainment, Variety reported. His legacy will live on in the world, continuing to inspire not only with his incredible body of work, but even more so with his humanity.”Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 19 Photos: Sidney Poitier through the years Sidney Poitier admires the Oscar he has just received in Santa Monica, California, on April 13, 1964. He won Best Performance by an Actor for his role in the 1963 film Lilies of the Field.

Bahamas Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell spoke with Newsy about the passing of his close friend.

Sidney Poitier, who died Thursday at 94, was the rare performer who really did change lives, who embodied possibilities once absent from the movies. For decades, Black and white actors had been shot with similar lighting, leading to an unnatural glare in the faces of Black performers. The long-running debate over Hollywood diversity often turns to Poitier. His screen career faded in the late 1960s as political movements, Black and white, became more radical and movies more explicit. If I submitted to him, I would be aiding him in making that perception a prophetic one,” Poitier later told the AP.

Sidney Poitier made history — on the screen and off.

Obit Sidney Poitier FILE - President Barack Obama presents the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom to Sidney Poitier during ceremonies in the East Room at the White House in Washington on, Aug. 12, 2009. Scott Applewhite, File) (J. Scott Applewhite)NEW YORK — (AP) — As a trailblazing actor to generations of Black performers in Hollywood, Sidney Poitier often spoke about his larger off-screen role. Here are excepts of Poitier in his own words through the years. The characters weren’t reflective of the diversity of Black life. — On becoming the first Black actor to win an Oscar in 1964, from his memoir.

As a trailblazing actor to generations of Black performers in Hollywood, Sidney Poitier often spoke about his larger off-screen role.

A look at the career of the Oscar-winning actor-director, one of Hollywood's legendary trailblazers.

Obit Sidney Poitier FILE - Sidney Poitier signs autographs before the opening of the 14th International Film Festival at the West Berlin congress hall on June 26, 1964 in Berlin. (AP Photo/Edwin Reichert, File) (Edwin Reichert)Tributes to Sidney Poitier poured in from Hollywood and around the world following the death Thursday of the groundbreaking actor and cultural icon. ... All I can say is thank you for your life, thank you for your example, and thank you for your incredible gift. "Sidney Poitier, your last sunset with us is the dawn of many generations rising in the path of light you blazed. “Sidney Poitier is quite literally the reason why I wanted to become an artist.

Tributes to Sidney Poitier poured in from Hollywood and elsewhere following the death of the groundbreaking actor and cultural icon.

As news of Hollywood legend Sidney Poitier’s death circulated, many posted online tributes remembering the icon. He showed us how to reach for the stars.”If you wanted the sky i would write across the sky in letters that would soar a thousand feet high..To Sir… with LoveSir Sidney Poitier R.I.P. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/LZixjXUAJW — Cary Elwes (@Cary_Elwes) January 7, 2022On Twitter, George Takei remembered Poitier’s impact: “Sidney Poitier, the first Black man to win an Oscar, Has died at the age of 94. — George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) January 7, 2022Russ Tamblyn shared a photo of himself with Poitier, saying, “You changed the whole world, Sidney. Rest in peace to trailblazing actor, director, and activist Sidney Poitier.

Obit Sidney Poitier FILE - Actor Sidney Poitier poses for a portrait in Beverly Hills, Calif. on June 2, 2008. Poitier, winner of the best actor Oscar in 1964 for “Lilies of the Field,” died Thursday in the Bahamas, according to Eugene Torchon-Newry, acting director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Bahamas. Before Poitier, the son of Bahamian tomato farmers, no Black actor had a sustained career as a lead performer or could get a film produced based on his own star power. Before Poitier, few Black actors were permitted a break from the stereotypes of bug-eyed servants and grinning entertainers. 1 star of 1967, the first time a Black actor topped the list.

Poitier died Thursday in the Bahamas, according to the country's acting director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sidney Poitier, who played roles of such dignity and intelligence that he transformed how Black people were portrayed on screen, becoming along the way the first Black actor to win an Oscar for best lead performance and the first to be a top box-office draw, has died.

Sidney Poitier, an actor, director and civil rights activist, died Thursday night in the Bahamas. Poitier, the first Black man to win an Academy Award for Best Actor, was 94. Here is a list of the movies he stared in:1947 Sepia Cinderella1949 From Whence Cometh My Help1950 No Way Out1951 Cry, the Beloved Country1952 Red Ball Express1954 Go, Man, Go! 1965 The Bedford Incident1965 The Greatest Story Ever Told1965 A Patch of Blue1965 The Slender Thread1966 Duel at Diablo1967 To Sir, with Love1967 In the Heat of the Night1967 Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner1968 For Love of Ivy1969 The Lost Man1970 King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis1970 They Call Me Mister Tibbs! Warmth: The Don Rickles ProjectThese are the films he directed:1972 Buck and the Preacher1973 A Warm December1974 Uptown Saturday Night1975 Let’s Do it Again1977 A Piece of the Action1980 Stir Crazy1982 Hanky Panky1985 Fast Forward1990 Ghost Dad©2022 Cox Media Group

Sidney Poitier dies at 94 File photo: Actor Sidney Poitier attends the opening night of "Born For This" at The Broad Stage on July 20, 2017 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic) (Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic)Hollywood legend Sidney Poitier, who won countless awards as a trail-blazing actor, died Friday in the Bahamas at 94. Arizona State University named its new film school “The Sidney Poitier New American Film School,” in a ceremony in Jan. 2021, The Associated Press reported at the time. The program is designed to be one of the “largest, most accessible and most diverse film schools,” the AP reported. Sidney Poitier was born Feb. 20, 1927 in Miami, Florida but grew up as a native of Cat Island, the Bahamas, according to IMDB.

“The Harder They Fall" has all of the gunfights, train robberies, saloons, and showdowns you would expect in a Western.

FILE - In this Jan. 12, 2020, file photo, Eddie Murphy accepts the lifetime achievement award at the 25th annual Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, Calif. Murphy will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame this month. The NAACP announced Thursday, March 11, 2021, that Murphy will be inducted during the March 27 ceremony, which will air on CBS. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)LOS ANGELES – Eddie Murphy will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame this month. The NAACP announced Thursday that Murphy will be inducted during the March 27 ceremony, which will air on CBS. The NAACP Image Awards honoring entertainers and writers of color will also simulcast on BET, MTV, VH1, MTV2, BET HER and LOGO.

In this video grab issued Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, by NBC, Jane Fonda accepts the Cecil B. deMille Award at the Golden Globe Awards. (NBC via AP)LOS ANGELES – Just like in her career, Jane Fonda used the Golden Globes’ platform to speak on deeper issues calling for greater diversity in Hollywood while praising the “community of storytellers” as she accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award. While wearing an all-white suit, Fonda raised the Globes’ highest honor above her head Sunday before commending storytellers for their vital role in troubled times. She is the daughter of Oscar winner Henry Fonda, who died in 1982, and sister of Peter Fonda, who died in 2019. She launched IndieCollect’s Jane Fonda Fund for Women Directors, an organization aimed to support the restoration of films helmed by women from around the world.

FILE - Actress Jane Fonda appears at the 71st international film festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 12, 2018. The Golden Globes will bestow the Cecil B. DeMille Award to Fonda during the 78th annual awards show next month. (Photo by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP, File)LOS ANGELES – Jane Fonda cemented herself into Hollywood allure as a chameleonlike actor and social activist, and now the Golden Globes will honor her illustrious career with its highest honor. Fonda will receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award during the 78th annual awards ceremony on Feb. 28, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced Tuesday. She launched IndieCollect’s Jane Fonda Fund for Women Directors, an organization aimed to support the restoration of films helmed by women from around the world.

FILE - Actor Sidney Poitier arrives at the Oscars in Los Angeles on March 2, 2014. The Sidney Poitier New American Film School will be unveiled at a ceremony on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021. It was to unveil The Sidney Poitier New American Film School at a ceremony on Monday. Crow said that much like the broader university, the film school will measure success not by exclusivity but by inclusivity. I’m not looking for the next Sidney Poitier, but I’m looking for the next person who is true to themself."

FILE - Actor Sidney Poitier arrives at the Oscars in Los Angeles on March 2, 2014. Arizona State University has named its new film school after Poitier. The Sidney Poitier New American Film School will be unveiled at a ceremony on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021. The Sidney Poitier New American Film School was unveiled at a virtual ceremony on Monday. Crow said that much like the broader university, the film school will measure success not by exclusivity but by inclusivity.

A full-throated, supremely confident Lady Gaga belted out the national anthem at President Joe Biden's inauguration in a very Gaga way — with flamboyance, fashion and passion. While stars mostly eschewed Trump's inauguration four years ago, the A-list was back for Biden. Brooks was careful to call his decision to perform on Wednesday non-political, and in the spirit of unity. He had performed during the inaugural celebration for Obama in 2009, but turned down a chance to perform for Trump in 2017, citing a scheduling conflict. Alone with his guitar, The Boss sang his “Land of Hope and Dreams” in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

This image released by the Library of Congress shows Heath Ledger, left, and Christian Bale in a scene from the 2008 film "The Dark Knight." The film was added to the National Film Registry. (Warner Bros.-Library of Congress via AP)LOS ANGELES – This year's inductees into the National Film Registry include a record number of female directors and filmmakers of color as well as a new crop of movies ranging from a silent short film thriller, classic musicals and an acclaimed Batman film. The national library said this year’s selections include a record nine films directed by women and filmmakers of color. Christopher Nolan’s 2008 Batman film “The Dark Knight” was a blockbuster and the top public vote-getter.

Heres a collection curated by The Associated Press entertainment journalists of whats arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. The film from director Mamouna Doucour is a thoughtful and poignant coming-of-age drama about Amy, an 11-year-old Senegalese immigrant living in Paris. Dont judge Cuties by its cover and give it a chance when it starts streaming Wednesday. Answer: Jeopardy! The quiz show with Alex Trebek at the helm of a COVID-19-conscious season hits screens Monday. Celebrity guest hosts are all the rage these days on late night TV but a documentary airing Thursday sheds light on one who really made history.

Cameron was cast in one of the starring roles in Pool of London, a 1951 crime noir movie that was the first British film to feature an interracial relationship. During the 1950s and 1960s, he supplemented his film work with frequent British TV roles, including two episodes of Doctor Who in 1966. Unless it was specified that this was a part for a Black actor, they would never consider a black actor for the part. I got mostly small parts, and that was extremely frustrating not just for me but for other Black actors. We had a very hard time getting worthwhile roles.In 1972, Cameron got to work alongside another Bahama-born actor who broke barriers for Black film actors.