Sidney Poitier Receives an Honorary Award: 74th Oscars (2002)

From time to time, the academy gives an

honorary

award

to a member of the film industry, sometimes for their work, sometimes for work done to improve the industry, sometimes for the influence created among other filmmakers around the world. This year they honor a man who qualifies. in all three areas and which is also unique in the history of cinema. They call him Sidney Poitier. Before Sydney, African-American actors had to take supporting roles in big studio films that were easy to cut in certain parts of the country, but couldn't. I did not remove Sidney Poitier from a photo of Sidney Poitier.

He was the reason a movie was made. The first solo on the title. African American movie star. He was unique. Sidney Poitier. Oh, I came to Hollywood at the age of 22 in a different time than now. a time when the odds against my presence here tonight, 53 years later, would not have fallen in my favor back then no route had been established to where I hoped to go there was no path left as evidence for me to trace no custom to follow yet here I am this afternoon, at the end of a journey that in 1949 would have been considered almost impossible and, in fact, perhaps would never have been set in motion if there had not been an incalculable number of brave and selfless decisions. taken by a handful of visionary American filmmakers and directors.

Writers and producers, each with a strong sense of civic responsibility towards the era in which they lived, without fear of allowing their art to reflect their ethical and moral views and values ​​and, furthermore, to recognize them as their own. They knew the odds that were against them and their efforts were overwhelming and probably could have proven too great to overcome, yet those filmmakers persevered speaking through their art to the best of us all and I benefited from their efforts the industry benefited from your efforts America benefited from your efforts and in ways large and small the world has also benefited from your efforts, therefore, with respect, I share this great honor with the late Joe Mankowitz, the late Richard Brooks , the late ralph nelson, the late daryl zanak, the late stanley kramer, the mirrish brothers, especially walter, whose friendship is at the very heart of this moment, Guy Green, Norman Jewison and all the others who have helped alter the odds for me and others, without them, this most memorable moment would not have happened and the excellent young actors who have followed an admirable trend might not have done so.

They come as they have to enrich the tradition of American cinema as they have done. I accept this

award

in memory of all the African American actors and actresses who came before me in the difficult years, on whose shoulders I was privileged to stand to see where I could go My love, my love and my gratitude to my wonderful and wonderful wife, my children , my grandchildren, my agent and friend martin baum and, finally, to those viewers around the world who have placed their trust in my judgment as an actor and filmmaker. I thank each of you for your support over the years thank you