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

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Published 2008-02-19

Sidney Poitier receives an Honorary Oscar for his body of work at the 74th Annual Academy Awards. Denzel Washington presents the award.

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Sidney Poitier Receives an Honorary Award: 74th Oscars (2002)
#Oscars #SidneyPoitier #BestActor #DenzelWashington

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All Comments (21)

@Oscars 8 months ago

Oscar Winner Sidney Poitier Receives an Honorary Award ►►youtube.com/shorts/euDrod_m6-4
@MrBumboclart 12 years ago

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.
@MovieFinatic 7 years ago

This speech should have been nominated and won an Oscar immediately after
@reneebluejay 7 years ago

"...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."
@TheBluRayCritic 6 years ago

One of the greatest speeches ever given at the Oscars.
@IrishCat04 14 years ago

I've never seen so much respect from an entire audience...mr Poitier is a legend
@okgirl4647 2 years ago

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.
@pt1sa1 2 years ago

That ladies and gentleman is what you call an acceptance speech. Class
@MasterEli1013 7 years ago

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.
@waynejohanson1083 8 years ago

I can sum up Sidney Poitier in one word. DIGNITY
@cainster 10 years ago

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.
@franciscouderq1100 2 years ago

That’s what I call an intelligent , humble and articulate speech. RIP Sidney Poitier.
@kennethshaver3065 2 years ago

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.
@tomada36 11 years ago

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.
@scratchers7916 8 years ago

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!!
@regiauniversitaria 5 years ago

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.
@harleen7698 2 years ago

“No root had been established to where I was hoping to go..” Powerful words. Your destiny is already established RIP Mr. Poitier 🙏
@stephenchucky 10 years ago

surely the greatest acceptance speech in the history of the Oscars!
@renatalivlove75 4 years ago

When Sidney Poitier Speaks, Time Stands Still! A true Legend!,
@rainbird9204 4 years ago

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