Sidney Poitier Wins Best Actor | 36th Oscars (1964) 

He came to the U.S. with nothing and ended up making history, he truly inspires me.

Anne Bancroft looks so ecstatic for Sidney, such a lovely thing to see. She genuinely seems happy for him and his win.

Rip to this legend. An actor who changed not only the way people look at acting. But also the acceptance of equality

Anne Bancroft’s reaction to him winning is so heartwarming. Look at how thrilled she was for him!

The swag on that man when he walks up on the stage. Off the roof

Mr. Poitier was the first black actor to place autograph, hand, and footprints in the cement at Grauman's Chinese Theatre (June 23, 1967).

We lost Sidney Poitier today at the age of 94. I remember watching “Lillies of the Field” when I was a young man. It became a favorite of mine and I watched it whenever I had the chance. A truly wonderful gentleman and a brilliant actor. Rest In Peace Mr. Poitier, you will be sorely missed. Thank you for the memories.

Anne Bancroft really amplified that moment with her genuine happiness for Sidney!

The sheer joy Of Anne Bancroft's face as she read Sidney's name, priceless.

He beat Richard Harris and Paul Newman? Respect! Great actors to beat!

I love how genuinely happy and supportive Anne was of Sidney when he won. And to think, 2 years later, they both would star in Sidney Pollack's debut movie, The Slender Thread.

If anybody thinks he won this purely because of his race, think again. He was gifted. RIP.

I love how Anne Bancroft seems even more excited than he is. Sidney's work in "Lilies" is truly amazing, a beautifully rounded performance.

she is so, very happy for him

_RU-vid 2010: Video Uploaded._ _RU-vid 2019: It's time for you to know who got the Oscar for best actor in 1964._

Sidney Poitier (1927 - 2022). A legend, pioneer and superb talent. Just had to come back after hearing of his passing. Rest in peace Mr Poitier and thank you.

Sidney was one of the first black actors to stand up and not take what he could get for acting, but actually go for roles that stood up for his race instead of being submissive to stereotypes, truly a national treasure and well-dersiving of his praise + wins!

A brilliant actor and, quite frankly, a national treasure!

RIP to one of the biggest legends of acting of all-time.

"Because it is a long journey to this moment..." said Mr. Poitier. Indeed! What a world was contained in that matchless and supremely elegant opening phrase. A model of brevity and profundity,

History being made that day.

I don't blame him for being overcome by the moment. What a great actor and a great guy.

Watching this makes me weep for the current day Oscars ceremony. No jokes about peoples wife and no fights on stage. Oh how far we’ve fallen. RIP Sidney, your grace and class is so desperately missed.

Like people don't even understand how big this win was for the time😭❤️

The oscars used to be so classy

It's so great to see Ann Bancroft being so happy for his win.

Here after the news of his passing. What a life this man lived and what an inspiration. Rest In Peace to an icon

I'm a Bahamian, born raised and I'm still living in Nassau Bahamas. I am so incredibly proud of my fellow countryman Sir. Sidney Poitier. He was an inspiration, a wonder and an icon not only to the international community but also to us his beloved people in The Bahamas. We love you Sir. Sidney, R.I.P. 💞🕊

Man Anne Bancroft looked so lovely here. That facial expression at 0:52 is just adorable

No one has more class, integrity, humility, talent, charisma...I could go on forever, but words are inadequate to describe Mr. Poitier. I feel truly blessed to have lived during the time of his illustrious career. His autobiography is definitely more than worth reading, too. Thank you, Sir, for all you've contributed.

She looked so happy to announce the winner ❤️

The journey has been incredible from its beginning. R.I.P Mr. Sidney Poitier. You was a brilliant and talented actor.

Now I’m able to see the moment that changed Oprah’s life forever!!!!

Poitier deserved this Oscar. He should also have received one for "A Raisin in The Sun." One terrific actor.

What an incredible moment. You could already tell he was going to win by the audience's reaction to his name. RIP Sidney ❤️

I tear up EVERY time I watch this. Even better is seeing just how thrilled Anne Bancroft was for Sidney and the audience ovation that followed the announcement. His speech was humble and moving. RIP great one.

A fantastic crop of actors nominated that year! Anne Bancroft seemed more excited than he did.

Who in their right mind gave this a thumbs down? Same goes for the video where Hattie McDaniel won. Their speeches weren't enough for you? These were great moments in American history for cryin' out loud!

Just had to come and watch this beautiful moment today in honor of his passing. What a dear, humble, incredibly talented man. What a legacy he leaves.

*I love how at the end him and Anne hold hands and she's so excited that he won and says "I'm so happy for you" it's so cute* 😭

His award wasn't based on color, just acting. He beat out great English actors on what was seen on screen.

Miss Bancroft looks so thrilled, genuinely happy for his winning!

For people of a certain age, Mr. Sidney Poitier’s work was a part of your “movie soundtrack” growing up. I’ll never forget his movies and as soon as I heard he’d passed away, in my mind I heard him say: “...They call me Mr. Tibbs!” R.I.P. Sir and thank you for the memories...

The man who changed the history! One really special human being!!!

"Whenever I am treated in a way that is contrary to how I hold myself, I would defend myself by improving myself. The more I improved myself, the more of a MAN I became and the more humane person I became." Sydney Poitier NOWHERE does Mr. Poitier mention color of skin here. THAT'S the measure of a MAN.

I love Anne's reaction!

Condolences to his family and all who loved him. Gone, but never to be forgotten. A magnificent human!

Just watched Lilies of the field again today.. what a good movie, a great actor, and even greater man... I love his smile while walking to the stage, and the emotion in his eyes and voice as he accepted the award, 100% class

He’s so handsome

I confess: I always loved Anne Bancroft. In this award sequence she is absolutely stunning. Her natural beauty and charm are wonderful. Big congratulations to Mister Poitier, an inspiration and confirmation to everyone who believes that you can fulfill your dream if you decide to live it.

1) Anne Bancroft is the definition of a class act. 2) Sydney Poitier was brilliant as well as gracious. 3) R I P… life ultimately takes It’s toll.

Still reeling from Betty White. So sad to hear about Sir Sidney Poitier dying just a week later. Thank you sir for breaking down the doors for us African-Americans. And to this channel, thank you for showing us the night he lifted Black actors to the next level...Best Actor Oscar winner. Rest in peace trailblazer.

that man is a hero

anne bancroft is so beautiful

I had to come back and watch this legendary video after learning Sir Sidney Poitier passed away. May such an incredible man Rest In Peace .

Rip at age 94, such a great actor and the world will miss you!

When the Oscars had class.

Many people have forgotten but 1:15 caused quite a stir at the time. Anne said she received hate mail and death threats for years after. She said the worst letters were the people who did not mind the kiss so much as Anne instigated it. She then said something that I don't think this site would print. Great lady! Many people believe the first TV interracial kiss was Star Trek or Petula Clark/Harry Belafonte. But it was this one.

Love this man in Lilies of the field,He should have won awards for most all of his movies,great actor.

This is one of the most iconic, legendary, memorable moments in the movie history undoubtedly!

Poitier paved the way for all actors of color to follow...setting a very high bar of excellence!

My God, what a humble man for achieving something so great!

Sidney was a true artist at his craft ...... a captivating lead actor in any genre ....... BUT, when i was just 17 years old, about to enter my Junior year of HS and not sure about my path in the life that lay ahead for me, i went with friends to see "To Sir With Love" ....... I learned something from that movie and from Sidney's performance that no school teaches - i learned (early in my life) the answer to Mark Twain's observation "the two most important days in your life are the day you were born, and the day you find out why" ...... I became an educator, and never regretted a moment! Thank you for your inspiration Mr. Poitier, and may you rest in everlasting peace - you will NEVER be forgotten.

Such a breathtaking moment for Sidney, and for us all. ❤️

it's a joy to watch Jack Lemmon behind the curtains - so happy for Sidney!

Love Anne Bancroft's empathic joy to a well deserved oscar win for Sidney Portier... and yes, I am here because of Oprah.

That man has talent, class, and humility. His contributions are irreplaceable. That entire audience was rightfully in awe of his ability as an actor. We are so fortunate he chose to share his talent with us.

RIP 🥺 A legend that paved the way for so many, and many more to come...

Rest your soul Sidney Poitier, every film was a pleasure to watch. Also you were absolutely gorgeous. 🕊🤍

I just loved how happy Anne Bancroft was. And he was up against some real heavy hitters, there. Now I want to go re-watch Lilies of the Field. It's been forever.

I was seven years when i viewed this,as a young black child in 1964,then..as now..this was a surprise and a blessed thing to see..he fought for civil rights AND he led by example..RIP, MR. POITIER

This guy was the pioneer of black actors and actresses to make big in Hollywood, and he did... Sidney Pottier broke down all the barriers

This man is such a legend and a pure class act! He won one of the most coveted awards during in 1964 for a Black man! Sir Sidney Poitier, you will go down in history as one of the THE BESTS in the world!

Ann & Sidney are gorgeous!

The song they’re playing is “Amen” from the the movie “Lillies of the Field” for which he won this award..A wonderful, now iconic, Gospel song written by Jerry Goldsmith. 🎼

Anne Bancroft’s reaction to Sidney’s Oscar win was as memorable as Shirley MacLaine’s reaction to Cleavon Little’s (Best Actor in a Musical) Tony win for PURLIE in 1970; or Lauren Bacall’s reaction to James Earl Jones’s (Best Actor in a Drama) Tony win in 1969 for THE GREAT WHITE HOPE. Each of these three men gave performances that defied time and circumstance and earned them their awards; and each of these three ladies were not only excited to present their awards to them, but also emotionally moved in sharing their groundbreaking moments with them…

Today Sidney Poitier would've been turning 95 today. TCM is showing a lot of his movies today. I just finish watching Lilies of the Field today and it was fantastic. He nailed it his role. He is still be missed. Happy Heavenly Birthday Sidney Politier. Rest in Power

0:54 Her smile when she read his name. :)

My condolences to Sidney Poitier. One of the best African American actors ever.

In memory of Sidney Potier. Will Smith should have thanked him in his speech

2:14 My god, what a reaction of congratulations from Anne Bancroft!!

An absolute class act to life and humanity..May God eternally Bless his soul.

I smiled and smiled even more watching this historical moment. RIP Sidney Poitier. Thanks for many great memories👏👏👏👏💖💖

This guy embodies the term dignity and class, A black man who broke barriers before any one thought it was possible. I heard a story once where he declined a role because it portrayed a black man in a negative light. He needed the money to feed his kids and live. He however said no, that takes courage... and that was over 50 years ago. Respect.

Anne Bancroft and Natalie Wood looked so excited for him.You go,Sydney!!!

from a native kid from Northern Canada, Sidney Poitier is such an inspiration and an icon, so thankful my mom introduced me to such talent and maybe one I'll be able to shake his hand and tell him that

My Italian grandfather loved all of his movies! Rest in peace Mr Poitier, you made black people be respected around the world ❤️

Happy early 93rd birthday to Sidney Poitier!

That massive applause was so heartwarming. Despite racism still being extremely prevalent in the 60s its great to see that clearly the majority of people in that crowd knew it was long overdue for this man or any African American to win best actor.

A man full of class, dignity and morals. Thank you Mr. Sidney Poitier for inspiring us all!!!! Rest in Peace .❤❤🧡🧡🙏🙏🙏

Sidney Poitier will remain a star up in heaven!

I have always said he was my favorite actor. There will never be anyone like him. I first saw “ Guess who’s coming to dinner” fairly young and was blown away. From that moment on, it was my favorite movie and he my favorite actor. He is just mesmerizing to me in every detail of his speech, countenance and movement. “ To Sir with Love” was my second glimpse of his genius and is still a top five for me. There will never be another Poitier.

Wow. I was looking for this video. Rare rare stuff! I came across his movies and loved it. He sure is a living legend. Love from India. :)

Wonderful film and a great clip. Anne Bancroft is so excited and happy for him.

To Sir was one of my mom's favorite movies growing up. Mr. Poitier, you will be missed. Condolences to the family, friends, and fans worldwide.

RIP Sidney Poitier. You Were Truly One Of The All Time Great Actors.

Oprah Winfrey brought me here! Because of her speech

What a sweet moment. They were just so much classier and put together back then. Their voices sounded so much more dynamic.

Sidney you're unique in everything you did, my favorite Actor, one of the greatest individuals to have lived this planet, a man who paved the way for Black actors and actresses. RIP Sir, you're our Hero, Legend and an Icon to many. Your films changed lives in many ways you cannot imagine. You may be gone but Your legacy will live forever and will always treasure you, Mr. Poitier...

Just wow..Sidney was up against the industry heavyweights of that time: Paul Newman..Rex Harrison..Albert Finney and Richard Harris..a vast honor bestowed upon a magnificent actor..a trailblazing individual..a true societal influencer and a great, yet humble man..Rest in Power..Legend..Sidney..😭😭💝🌠🌠