62 Years Ago Today, ’50s Icon Won His First Best Actor Award at the Oscars and Made History

On April 13, 1964, Sidney Poitier, a Bahamian-American actor, had a career-defining moment at the 36th Academy Awards.

Born into humble beginnings, little did he know that his presence would one day mark a historic milestone in the cinematic arts.

The ’50s star took home his first-ever Oscar, winning Best Actor for his role in the film Lilies of the Field.

At the time, he was up against equally talented nominees, including Albert Finney in Tom Jones, Richard Harris in This Sporting Life, Rex Harrison in Cleopatra and Paul Newman in Hud.

Poitier’s stellar portrayal of the protagonist Homer Smith, a former GI and traveling handyman, brought him his first major award, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.

Presented by Anne Bancroft, who appeared visibly moved as she read Poitier’s name, the then-newly crowned Best Actor stepped onto the stage .

Before he could begin, a wave of warm applause filled the entire auditorium.

“Because it is a long journey to this moment, I am naturally indebted to countless numbers of people,” he said , mentioning the director, producer and key individuals who made Lilies of the Field possible.

“Principally among whom are Ralph Nelson, James Poe, William Barrett, Martin Baum and of course the members of the Academy,” the actor said, adding “For all of them, all I can say is a very special thank you.”

Poitier’s win is not only a personal achievement but also a historic one as he became the first Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. He broke barriers and set a new standard for generations of performers

In addition to his first Oscar win, he won Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama at the 1964 Golden Globe Awards, making him the first Black artist to win in that category.

Throughout his decades-long career, Poitier was later awarded the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 1982 Golden Globes for his outstanding contributions to the cinematic arts.

His legacy continued to resonate with new generations after he received an Honorary Award in 2021, recognizing his exceptional influence on the entertainment industry.

Presented by Denzel Washington and Walter Mirisch, the legendary actor delivered a moving message, recalling how he succeeded in a system where success for someone like him was never expected.

“I arrived in Hollywood at the age of twenty-two in a time different than today’s, a time in which the odds against my standing here tonight fifty-three years later would not have fallen in my favor,” he said, as cited by the Oscars. “Back then, no route had been established for where I was hoping to go, no pathway left in evidence for me to trace, no custom for me to follow.”
He concluded his message by expressing deep gratitude to the people who believed in him and his family for their support.