Oscar Winner Sidney Poitier Receives an Honorary Award ►►kzfaq.infoeuDrod_m6-4

This speech should have been nominated and won an Oscar immediately after

There would be no Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Samuel L. Jackson or Mogran Freeman.......if there hadn't been Sidney Poitier. A lot of people forget this, and even more don't know this. Living legend.

"...Before Sidney, Afro-American actors had to take supporting roles in major studio films, that were easy to cut out in certain parts of the country , but you couldn't cut Sidney Poitier out of a Sidney Poitier picture."

That ladies and gentleman is what you call an acceptance speech. Class

I've never seen so much respect from an entire audience...mr Poitier is a legend

Denzel was right on the money about not being able to cut Sidney Poitier out of a Sidney Poitier movie. He was the first black leading man.

One of the greatest speeches ever given at the Oscars.

That was without a doubt the most magnificent speech delivered by an elegant actor and man. I have loved Sidney Poitier's work since I was a child. He is a pioneer and a legend.

I can sum up Sidney Poitier in one word. DIGNITY

And THAT is how you accept an award....

That’s what I call an intelligent , humble and articulate speech. RIP Sidney Poitier.

After learning of Sidney’s death today, I had to rush to listen to this speech - as a 26 year old with not much knowledge of the pre-1970 film eras, I must admit I had no idea who this man was or why his role as an actor was so significant. I’m glad I do know now. After watching this acceptance speech, I am moved to tears. Literally crying. The silence swept over an audience of top-tier Hollywood icons says it all. Today we wouldn’t even have half the success of notable African American actors and actresses if - like Sidney recalled - it wasn’t for the choice & courage of a handful of white writers/directors to propel this legend’s talent as he 100% deserved. What a story… what a legacy. May this ultimate icon of a man rest in heavenly peace.

Wow, he talks like he is in a Shakespeare play, amazing.

I don't care if he had memorized that or was reading it off of the teleprompter. That was one of the best, most well-presented, most dignified and memorable speeches I have ever heard. The man was good. Period. End of story. If he hadn't been an actor he could have been a best-selling author with no worries of ever paying bills again.

I've never seen any actor so loved respected and admired . It's beautiful . A truly great man .

Sidney is part of the Mount Rushmore of GOATs. Class act of a human actor. Film would not be where it is today without him. Pioneer. Trailblazer. Rebel. Legend. RIP Sidney. Thank you for your dedication to the art of film. Your impact will forever leave a mark on the film world.

Now THAT is a speech. Humble and inspiring. One that truly gives credit to the person who ultimately received the award. Wonderful.

A fine actor, A fine man...

Condolences to his family and all who loved him. Gone, but never to be forgotten. A magnificent human!

He always spelled grace, elegance as well as talent. What a magnificent man.

surely the greatest acceptance speech in the history of the Oscars!

TO SIR, WITH LOVE.

When Sidney Poitier Speaks, Time Stands Still! A true Legend!,

Denzel Washington, Idris Elba, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman, Djimon Hounsou, Forest Whitaker, Will Smith, David Oyelowo, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Don Cheadle, Anthony Mackie, Ice Cube, Common, Chadwick Boseman, Larenz Tate, Laurence Fishburne, Blair Underwood, Tyrese Gibson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Anthony Anderson, Morris Chestnut, Michael K. Williams, Romany Malco, Kevin Hart, Michael B. Jordan, Terrence Howard and every other African-American actor who are in movies, television and Broadway wouldn't be here if it weren't for Sidney Poitier. LEGENDARY INDEED!!!

As classy a person who has ever walked this earth.

People don't speak like that anymore. Now a days, actors imbed silly jokes and political statements, rather than inspire, reflect, and motivate. This magnificent speech touches every fiber of my soul.

I've often said there were three men that defined the Civil Rights Movement. Two of them are fairly easy to understand...Jackie Robinson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The third...was Sidney Poitier. He wasn't vocal, but his presence...being a leading man who bucked stereotype and didn't devalue his Blackness in his films, from Blackboard Jungle to The Defiant Ones to A Raisin in the Sun to Lilies of the Field. He wasn't a token and he wasn't magical. He was a Black man that forced non Black people to see a Black man through a different prism. That had TREMENDOUS weight.

A class act always, groundbreaking actor, legend and a gentleman with so much humility and grace. You will be missed Mr. Sidney Poitier. Rest in eternal peace.

When I think of Denzel Washington, I think of Sydney Poitier.

He was looking so frail in tonight's Oscar ceremony (03/02/2014), he is now 87. Glad his speech from few years ago is saved to be rewatched. Such dignity and class. Can one receive an Oscar for an Oscar acceptance speech? Imagine all he has seen in his life.

WOW!!! What a speech. What presence. He has got all of those egotists in the audience spellbound and silent. "Form is temporary, but class is eternal." THAT IS CLASS!!

“No root had been established to where I was hoping to go..” Powerful words. Your destiny is already established RIP Mr. Poitier 🙏

When this man spoke, EVERY actor/tress in the room listened. All the cut scenes to the audience show everyone from every generation looking on with awe and reverence for this great actor and even greater man. If more of today's actors took in to account the responsibility and privilege that they've been allowed to do what they o, maybe we'd have more stars like Sidney. Alas the number of these people grow fewer every year as more people turn from talent and dedication to cinematic art to the crude, rude, unpolished, and untalented flash of reality shows and competitions which do nothing to enhance or enrich our lives, merely disrespect and dumb down our intellect and creative pride.

one of the finest actor who broke the norms of his time to achieve what he stood for.

If you're watching this, You could know that today we're saying a farewell to a Great Man. One who set the first path.

Rod Steiger once described Sidney Poitier as having "an intelligence and a dignity that is impossible to describe." Mr. Poitier's acceptance speech here truly bears that idea out. One rarely hears such an eloquent speech, delivered with such elegance, and yet one that is such a deep expression of humility and gratitude. He was truly a magficent human being. The world owes him a debt of gratitude on many levels, and he certainly has mine! May you have a well-earned rest, Mr. Poitier!

Timeless elegance and poise...the best honorary award speech I've ever heard.

That acceptance speech was EPIC! SIDNEY POITIER has always been and will always be a man who sets a STANDARD for all others to measure up to. WOW! Peace and love...

Rest in peace Sir Potier. Carried an entire new generation to greatness

Just heard about his passing, what an amazing person, literally changed Cinema forever, just by being on the screen, a legend.

BRAVO BRAVO! what a speech, what a man! Bless you Mister Poitier! You deserve it!

It's a shame everyone gets old. I never get tired of seeing his movies - what a talent.

My mother would make me and my brothers watch his movies when they were on. She held Sidney Poitier up as a shining example of what a proud black man looked like. Growing up in 1960’s Deep South Mississippi as a child wasn’t easy. l recall my mother talking about “In The Heat Of The Night”, especially the scene in which Sidney slaps the bigoted white plantation owner Endicott after getting slapped first. Unthinkable that a black man would do that in Mississippi and live to tell it. I didn’t understand! All that changed as l got older and experienced racial discrimination firsthand, had fist fights with whites because of my blackness and saw the movie as an adult. “Mama, I fully understand now.” I now remember telling her once. And she knew l got it! Sidney Poitier demanded respect and got it! I’m a fan for life. What a great black man!!!!! Rest well, Sidney….😔🕊

He is such a gentleman, I absolutely admire him, he has always been one of my favorite actors!!!!!

This man is the man of class with respect.

When Sydney started dedicating his award with "....the late...", damn, that really shook my heart. And look at audience! they can't believe it. They are shocked to hear that all his dear friends have come to pass. BEST SPEECH OF ALL TIME.

RIP Sidney Poitier (February 20, 1927 - January 6, 2022), aged 94 You will be remembered as a legend.

He was one of a kind nobody could ever match up to him I grieve Him passing away He will always be remembered with true love from all of us

Stunning speech! I saw it live in 2002 but it means so much more today!

A true legend...

A real gentleman, who expresses gratitude, and appreciation for the best in humanity's decency. A gentleman to the end.

Words can’t express how much love and respect I have for this actor. What an incredible speech!

When I read his book, "The Measure of a Man", I heard his immaculate and nonchalant voice throughout. He truly is an icon that will be remembered for all time. Thank you Sir!

R.I.P. Sir Sydney Poitier. A true one-off and hugely talented pioneer has left us. Thank you, Sir Sydney for your work on and off the screen. You will be remembered for generations to come.

Best acceptance speech I've ever heard. Look at their faces; not one of them looked away, or looked to see if their 'friends' were applauding as well. They hung on his every word, because of who he is, what he's done, and what he represents. A giant of a man.

Total class act. A film hero to all colors. God bless him.

Such an inspiring and remarkable man. You paved the way for people of colour all around the world, and I wish you all the best in life.

You know a guy is beyond being "boss" when he makes a speech about himself getting a lifetime achievement award, about others! Respect!

Such grace and class! Breathtaking. Rip Sidney Poitier.

As a European from the Netherlands, it might be hard to exactly judge and determine the importance of Sidney Poitier for American films. It often seems (though it may be wrong) that discrimination because of race was more visible in the United States than over here. That might not be true, but this is again hard for me to determine because I was born in 1993. What stands as a fact, is that without Mr. Poitier, the face of the movies would have been completely different. He was groundbreaking, he tore down the walls of racial prejudice even before the Civil Rights Movement really took off. In hindsight, his peak may seem short - roughly from 1955 to 1967 - but boy, was it great and important. The classics he starred in are incredible: No Way Out, Blackboard Jungle, Edge of the City, The Defiant Ones, Porgy and Bess, A Raisin in the Sun, Lilies of the Field, A Patch of Blue and of course his trilogy of hits from 1967: To Sir, with Love, In the Heat of the Night and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. Under the current presidency in his country, namely that of Donald Trump, I often wonder how Mr. Poitier would feel about it. It often seems like a step back in time from an outsider that lives in Europe. We must not forget that African Americans have come a long way and that Sidney Poitier was of vital importance in the growth of their acceptance. Let's not destroy the work that he has done, and let's all stand together against racism and discrimination. Thank you for everything, Sidney. Your grace and class are unequalled. I will keep watching your films.

An astonishing speech from a remarkable man,gracious,articulate and respectful, his quality as a man is as inspiring as his talent as an actor.Thank you Mr Poitier.

What an incredible speech from a truly incredible man.

RIP SIR POITIER. YOU WERE ELEGANT, CLASSY, DIGNIFIED AND A TRAILBLAZER.

That speech today is more poignant than ever before… Thank you 🙏 Sidney

Just plain class

RIP, Mr Poitier. Often times in life, regarding things that we dont think we'd be able to endure or overcome, we say " I couldn't have done it"..and then someone pipes up to say "oh, you really dont know if you could have'. Well, where his journey is concerned, during the era of "Jim Crow" in the deep South, and rampant racism in the 50s and 60s, that was VERY prevalent on the West Coast (including Hollywood, obviously), against black, brown and Asian, I could not have done it...because my humility still has lines that I dont allow anyone to mess with. Sidney's humility and discipline, was "otherwordly". Now, a giant of the film industry gets his eternal rest.

I am not sure why I keep repeatedly watching this clip often with tears in my eyes, but I suspect perhaps , I am feeling the pain, of a man's journey from an immigrant to mighty global legend, or perhaps a master communicator who can touch the soul of those who care to listen, or perhaps his effortless character-acting skills in all his movies, that left an indelible impact in my heart, whatever it is, this man is truly a Saint amongst his peers. Thank you, for crossing my path, sir.

I got a chance to meet him, he so humble and humorous, a great man

To Sir With Love!!!!!

One of the greats and he’ll be surely missed. R.I.P.

I watched 'To Sir With Love' as a kid and became a fan of Sidney. I am watching this video today on March 21, 2022 only to realize the demise of this legendary actor occurred on Jan 6, 2022.

Mr. Poitier. To SIR, with love

Poitier is love, Poiter is life. Your my hero! ♥♥

Great actor, great role model. You were truly a trail blazer RIP and never forgotten.

The only man, other than my late father, that I've ever loved. And to me, the best actor ever.

A speech that touches both my heart and soul…Thank you Mr.Poitier…

I fell in love with Mr. Poitier after I saw the movie, "To Sir With Love." Then came the movie, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? I have such admiration for this man. He is classy and man, can he act!!!

One of his greatest accomplishments 2 decades ago, R.I.P. Sidney Poitier...sir. 🙏🏽🙏🏽👼🏽

What a great loss!!! One of the very few that really deserved the title 'SIR'! R.I.P. brilliant man!!! Farewell!!!!!

Only celebrity I have had a crush on since I was 10, In later years, it became more of an admiration. Very intellectual and wise man with great integrity and depth. God bless you Sir Sidney.

When we talk of trailblazers in the black community-- it's quite appropriate that Mr. Poitier is always included…can we even imagine the trials and tribulations he faced "back then"? Yet, as he acknowledged so eloquently, you have to give thanks to those who took risks of their own and gave him a chance to shine. His talent carried him, not looks or a six pack…sheer and brilliant talent.

RIP Sidney Poitier today! What an extraordinary film career he had!

Just found out this man passed away😔 First Betty White now him such iconic people within a week. Rest In Peace Sidney ✊🏾

RIP Sidney Poitier, a great actor and an equally great human being.

I cried just listening to this king

OMG! Sidney Poitier he is amazing. He shared his award with all the African American actors and actresses that went before him and worked sooo hard. God bless Sidney Poitier. Love him ❤️😘

A memorable speech by a memorable actor. Sidney Poitier, a true inspiration for mankind.

RIP Sir Sidney Poitier. The world has been left a better place because of your presence.

Sidney dear, love forever.

I'm currently in tears. Still mourning the passing of Sidney Poitier. He was my number one favorite actor since I was four years old. I loved him in the movie "In the heat of the night". I thought Mr. Virgil Tibbs was the bravest black man in the world. I wish I could have met him in person just to tell him "you are the greatest".

My favorite actor, my first crush, an elegant, classy and supremely talented man.

It was so beautiful and everybody's was about to cry!Moving moment!

We watched the Defiant Ones last weekend and just watched To Sir With Love. Dignity is what we see when we watch any Portier flick. What a man. I already miss him but feel honored to have been allowed to enjoy his works of art. What a treasure we've been given.

He’s also a KBE - a “Sir” - as he’s also a commonwealth citizen and , as such , entitled to British honours by birth. A great man

That was some deserved standing ovation 👏🏽 Great work he’s had.. Unfortunately today the man has died… Legend

No more eloquent speech has ever been given at ant awards show and none more deserving than this incredible man.

African Americans have been undervalued for too long thank you Mr Poitier for opening the doors. Your life work will still go on to make the World see all Humans as people to accept everyone and not judge by race or color! My heart hurts to hear of his struggles God gave us the right people to open the doors during a time of repression we still have work to do together we will and can make a difference! God Bless we lose a legend today but God has been given an Angel.

Always loved him, always will. Rest in peace, you dear, dear man.

The word class act isn't big enough for a legendary Icon like him! R.I.P. Sir Sidney Poitier