Sidney Poitier’s legacy lives on: Here’s where to watch his classic film performances

Sidney Poitier, the trailblazing actor and activist who became one of Hollywood’s most important Black figures, died Thursday evening at 94.

In a career spanning more than 70 years, Poitier made his mark on cinema, often refusing roles he felt would be degrading to Black America. In 1968, he became the first Black man to win the Oscar for best actor for his work in “Lilies of the Field.�

He later received an honorary Academy Award in 2001 for his lifetime achievements, and in 2008 he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom from then-President Barack Obama.

Obituaries

Sidney Poitier, trailblazing star who helped break down Hollywood color barriers, dies at 94

Sidney Poitier, who made history as the first Black man to win an Oscar for lead actor and who starred in ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,’ has died.

Jan. 7, 2022

“Through his groundbreaking roles and singular talent, Sidney Poitier epitomized dignity and grace, revealing the power of movies to bring us closer together,� Obama said in a statement after Poitier’s death was announced. “He also opened doors for a generation of actors. Michelle and I send our love to his family and legion of fans.�

Here’s where you can watch seven of Poitier’s most notable films.

Blackboard Jungle (1955)

“Blackboard Jungle� was Poitier’s breakthrough role, in which he played a rowdy high school student with a hidden musical talent as a pianist and singer. With the guidance of his fiercely loyal teacher (played by Glenn Ford), Poitier’s character eventually becomes a positive influence and works to form a bond between teacher and classmates.

You can stream “Blackboard Jungle� on YouTube and Apple TV for $2.99 or on Amazon Prime for $3.99.

Movies

Sidney Poitier made it easy to be in the presence of greatness

Reporter Greg Braxton recalls the nerves, awe and finally calm that accompanied an interview with Sidney Poitier in 2000. Poitier died Thursday at 94.

Jan. 7, 2022

The Defiant Ones (1958)

Poitier co-starred with Tony Curtis in “The Defiant Ones,� in which the two prison escapees are shackled together and must work together to survive. The film won an Academy Award for best story and screenplay and best cinematography, while Poitier earned his first Oscar nomination for best actor.

You can rent “The Defiant Ones� on Amazon Prime Video and Vudu or watch an ad-supported free version on Pluto TV.

Claudia McNeil, left, and Sidney Poitier in the 1959 stage production of “A Raisin in the Sun.�

(Columbia Pictures)

A Raisin in the Sun (1959)

In Lorraine Hansberry’s signature play, Poitier starred as Walter Lee Younger, a man trying to lead his family to prosperity after the death of his father. After receiving a $10,000 life insurance check, he debates with his wife about the best way to proceed, a decision made more complicated when a potential business partner runs off with his share of the money.

Poitier also starred in the film adaptation released in 1961. You can rent or buy the movie version of “A Raisin in the Sun� on YouTube, Vudu and Apple TV.

Sidney Poitier with a group a nuns in a scene from “Lilies of the Field.� The role won him the Academy Award for best actor.

(Unknown Photographer)

Lilies of the Field (1963)

In his Oscar-winning role, Poitier plays a handyman named Homer Smith who meets a group of nuns from Germany, who are convinced he’s been sent from God to help build their chapel.

You can watch “Lilies of the Field� for free on YouTube and Pluto TV.

Movies

Hollywood celebrates Sidney Poitier and how he ‘epitomized dignity and grace’

Morgan Freeman, Viola Davis and former President Obama are among the many saluting the legacy of pioneering actor Sidney Poitier, who has died at 94.

Jan. 7, 2022

In the Heat of the Night (1967)

This Oscar best-picture winner features Poitier as Virgil Tibbs, a Black police detective from Philadelphia mistakenly accused of murder while passing through a town in Mississippi. After he is cleared of the crime, he searches for the true killer when the police chief asks him to investigate the case.

You can watch “In the Heat of the Night� on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and Apple TV from $3.99.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)

“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner� explored an interracial marriage between Poitier’s Dr. John Wade Prentice and Joanna Drayton, played by Katharine Houghton. Tensions are high when the two families meet and learn to navigate their way through their initial disapproval of the relationship.

You can rent or buy “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner� on YouTube, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, or on Hulu with a Starz subscription add-on.

Movies

Why Sidney Poitier felt indebted to Denzel Washington. And the feeling was mutual

Looking back at the night in 2002 when Sidney Poitier and Denzel Washington shared an unforgettable moment in Oscars history.

Jan. 7, 2022

To Sir, With Love (1967)

Poitier plays Mark Thackeray, an unemployed engineer who turns to teaching to make ends meet. After Thackeray is assigned to a rowdy class of troublemakers, the older students do their best to break his spirit while the teacher perseveres to prepare the class for the world.

You can stream “To Sir, With Love� from $3.99 on YouTube, Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.