Sidney Poitier

Trailblazer of Black Excellence in Hollywood, Sidney Poitier was born in 1927 in Miami, Florida, USA, but hails from The Bahamas. His directing career spanned from the late 1960s to the early 1990s, during which he mostly helmed films in the comedy, drama, and romance genres, with classics such as "Stir Crazy", "Let's Do It Again", and "A Piece of the Action". While not a recipient of directing awards at major festivals, he won an Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the first black person to win this honour, and his directorial style is noted for its deft handling of social issues, often with a humorous touch. Sidney Poitier is a man who, through his work, consistently demonstrated that a blend of talent, dignity, and perseverance can break through even the most formidable barriers.