IMDb RATING
7.8/10
1.4K
YOUR RATING
Follow the real life story of Sidney Poitier, the Oscar winner of 1964.Follow the real life story of Sidney Poitier, the Oscar winner of 1964.Follow the real life story of Sidney Poitier, the Oscar winner of 1964.
- Awards
- 4 wins & 6 nominations total
Willie Blue
- Self
- (as Reverend Willie Blue)
Juanita Poitier
- Self
- (as Juanita Hardy)
Sydney Tamiia Poitier
- Self
- (as Sydney Poitier Heartsong)
Joanna Shimkus
- Self
- (as Joanna Shimkus Poitier)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
For those of us who have admired Sidney Poitier for decades, this reverential 2022 documentary will satisfy the desire for a respectful tribute to a genuinely impressive man who left a lasting legacy. Directed by Reginald Hudlin and produced by Oprah Winfrey (who is truly overwhelmed by her subject), the film benefits from Poitier's first-person narrative recorded some time before his death earlier this year. His recounting of his impoverished childhood in the Bahamas and Florida is moving. Then the parade of his classic films follows with the focus on aspects and themes that are quite familiar to us by now. The interviews with his children and especially his first wife Juanita are particularly revelatory. Their words resonate in bringing him to life with minimal blemishes.
"Sidney" (2022) is a very solid documentary covering the life of the Black Bahamian/American actor, director, politician, and father-figure, Sidney Poitier. The film serves as a great introduction to the legendary figure.
Presented as a typical biographical documentary. This film covers Poitier's life and legacy through interviews from his early career up to his final years. Poitier's personal intentions and beliefs are more thoroughly explained by him and popular culture figures like Oprah Winfrey (who is a producer for this film).
The documentary is not groundbreaking by any means and can seem a little dull despite covering the life of one of the most important and interesting cultural figures in history.
In truth, the life of Sir Sidney Poitier deserves a more in-depth look with a docuseries, but this film remains a very good introduction to his life. Poitier's legacy as a Black actor, leader, and father-figure broke down color-barriers and paved the way for all persons of color to break free from type-cast roles and pursue their own artistic control.
Watch this film even if you have never seen one of Poitier's films as you will still be greatly inspired by this legendary figure.
Presented as a typical biographical documentary. This film covers Poitier's life and legacy through interviews from his early career up to his final years. Poitier's personal intentions and beliefs are more thoroughly explained by him and popular culture figures like Oprah Winfrey (who is a producer for this film).
The documentary is not groundbreaking by any means and can seem a little dull despite covering the life of one of the most important and interesting cultural figures in history.
In truth, the life of Sir Sidney Poitier deserves a more in-depth look with a docuseries, but this film remains a very good introduction to his life. Poitier's legacy as a Black actor, leader, and father-figure broke down color-barriers and paved the way for all persons of color to break free from type-cast roles and pursue their own artistic control.
Watch this film even if you have never seen one of Poitier's films as you will still be greatly inspired by this legendary figure.
10KassyL
I gave this film a 10 not just because Sidney Poitier was such a powerful light in his life, but because of the wonderful storytelling of his life. I found myself smiling for most of the duration of the film. The images and commentary from the people who knew him best are extraordinary. The addition of some private home movies is an added plus. The film is an honorable memorial for an honorable man. Not sure this world will produce another like him. Thank you for telling his phenomenal story. We did not forget about him. I am inspired by his life and the film brought back memories of my childhood movie going experiences and how they made me fee. Awesome job.
This documentary on Sidney Poitier is an absolute must-watch.
He is near the top amongst my favorite actors and, for that matter, people; his book The Measure of a Man is required reading, because he reveals an extraordinary perspective on countless subjects gleaned from his life time of experiences.
This documentary is jam-packed with appearances and testimonials from Mr. Poitier inspired and associated with: his family, co-stars, friends, and various luminaries.
They all pour forth, with no small amount of affection, great love, and eloquence.
All of the accolades and encomiums fully deserving.
It is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest, most trail-blazing figures of our time.
He is near the top amongst my favorite actors and, for that matter, people; his book The Measure of a Man is required reading, because he reveals an extraordinary perspective on countless subjects gleaned from his life time of experiences.
This documentary is jam-packed with appearances and testimonials from Mr. Poitier inspired and associated with: his family, co-stars, friends, and various luminaries.
They all pour forth, with no small amount of affection, great love, and eloquence.
All of the accolades and encomiums fully deserving.
It is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest, most trail-blazing figures of our time.
A documentary about the life of actor and director of theater and cinema Sidney Poitier.
The film captures every event from the actor's biography, starting from how he was born in the Bahamas in 1927 and ending with what influence he left behind for most people.
His films had a tremendous impact because they destroyed the barriers between blacks and whites, as well as gave a new breath to the black population, which later resulted in Blaxploitation, where Sidney himself no longer had much fame, but as the ancestor was a big figure.
In addition to his illustrious career in cinema, with the help of which he got into the first ranks of American bohemia, Sidney also conducted political activities defending the rights of blacks in North America.
And, of course, the film does not bypass the off-screen life of the actor, revealing him from the unpleasant side, unfortunately not as much as we would like.
And everything is backed up by comments from leading figures in the media industry from Oprah to Spike Lee, including Sidney himself, who was filmed for the film, although it is clear that he plays a role in talking about himself.
The film captures every event from the actor's biography, starting from how he was born in the Bahamas in 1927 and ending with what influence he left behind for most people.
His films had a tremendous impact because they destroyed the barriers between blacks and whites, as well as gave a new breath to the black population, which later resulted in Blaxploitation, where Sidney himself no longer had much fame, but as the ancestor was a big figure.
In addition to his illustrious career in cinema, with the help of which he got into the first ranks of American bohemia, Sidney also conducted political activities defending the rights of blacks in North America.
And, of course, the film does not bypass the off-screen life of the actor, revealing him from the unpleasant side, unfortunately not as much as we would like.
And everything is backed up by comments from leading figures in the media industry from Oprah to Spike Lee, including Sidney himself, who was filmed for the film, although it is clear that he plays a role in talking about himself.
Did you know
- TriviaThe footage of Poitier telling his life story is from nearly eight hours of unaired footage of interviews conducted by the film's producer, Oprah Winfrey, in 2012.
- Quotes
Denzel Washington: When you pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too.
- ConnectionsFeatures The Emperor Jones (1933)
- How long is Sidney?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Runtime1 hour 51 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1
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