Sidney Poitier Accepts the 20th AFI Life Achievement Award in 1992

[@Celluloidwatcher]

When he spoke, Sidney Poitier radiated regalness, class, dignity, honor, respect, and love of family. They all brought a tear to the eye at times. Now, the bright lights he inspired in Hollywood and beyond, must continue to shine on the road to inspiration for future generations of actors and filmmakers. That is, those of color who need it more, as well as the general creative community as a whole. Thank you, Sir, for laying that foundation. May you Rest in Peace, Power, and Talent.

[@icemafletcher5544]

A very great character Mr Poitier was. 👏

[@veronicaricketts1640]

¹¹+q+ Yin n ½

[@cassandradennis5685]

So well said 👏 👏👏👏👏👏

[@homegown1234]

Sidney Poitier is regal in his form throughout his life and it radiates all that is good and respectful of a man of his generation and inspired blacks to continue to promote themselves and to succeed as well. What an incredible man and now due to his passing I wish for him rest in peace in God's glory of a decent human being unique and amazing of a humanitarian.

[@Locktwiste72]

When he spoke, everyone was almost perfectly still, as if they feared missing a single word if they moved. Everyone hung on to his every syllable, nobody dared to even breathe too hard, for fear of ruining the moment. If you want to seee what REAL class looks like, here he is: Mr. Sidney Poitier, a living legend.

[@cassandradennis5685]

Amen ❤ 🙏

[@WaynesWorldStudioVancouver]

Beautiful speech and what an inspiration to everyone! Rip Sidney Poitier at age 94!

[@rosemarylynch8539]

I miss him!

[@KKG51]

What a totally classy gentleman. There aren't many "celebrities" I'd care to meet or to speak with but he definitely is one!! This man by his actions, the way he lives his life, is an example to us all!!

[@KenJohnsonMusic]

In a room filled with the best of us, he shined as the best among them. When the camera stopped on Denzel Washington, sitting there as regal as a king, I found myself gasping in reverence. And Morgan Freeman, and James Earl Jones, and so many others in that room, we are left in awe of what they did for all of us by who they portrayed on screen and off. God Bless them.

[@bobcalegari5356]

Seriously? Denzel looked like he always looks, ANGRY!

[@cassandradennis5685]

Billy Dee too.

[@laurawells9770]

Today, Mr. Poitier turned 92. Happy Birthday, to Sir with love.

[@madambutterfly7513]

Laura Wells - really, 92?? OMG, where have the years gone?? This video was in 1992!!!

[@sunny_zeddy_cy]

gosh so-oh ADORABLY handsome I wanna bite his cheeks 💙

[@vaisavili6565]

@@madambutterfly7513 have a great Sunday

[@amiehampton867]

Today is turning 94 today.Happy Birthday Sidney Poiter

[@smithsunleashed]

94 now

[@scotnick59]

This man often makes me cry = and I think it's because he's such an incredibly beautiful human being. Sidney Poitier isn't merely a great performer but, rather, - he's an experience!

[@tinamcveigh4205]

Ummmm you just said what I was thinking

[@123benny4]

@@tinamcveigh4205 and feeling.

[@homegown1234]

As a young woman he provided challenges which I learned from his movies to be a better human being and to survive in this world. For this and my thanks - may you rest in peace Sir Sidney Poitier.

[@itsaashish]

Absolutely gutted. One of the Greatest of All Time. A Dignified Legend who paved the way for so many. I've loved his work and he will be an Inspiration for Life. Rest in Peace Sidney Sir. #SidneyPoitier

[@Nougat2010]

Every young actor/actress should be required to watch this to learn class and humility, and life lessons. A special thank you to the Jewish cook who taught a young dishwasher to read, what the world may have lost without your generosity.

[@renatalivlove75]

Omg You made me cry..yes thanks to the Jewish guy whom put time ,dedication and persistence, whom saw no color, but a human who wanted to learn. .what a beautiful speech he gave!

[@jacktrades24]

I know! That was beautiful and profound!

[@lucyrust7322]

he has more class than all of america humility the world could learn from sidney and be better off

[@unclebob53703]

THIS IS WHAT CLASS LOOKS LIKE

[@MrDavey2010]

Too right.

[@derekseven1647]

OH YEAH.

[@janinefarris7565]

This man is a true inspiration a golden touch to my heart tears to my eyes in a most wonderful way and as soon if I can I'm going to put his two weeks on my reading with which I was not aware that he wrote until recently the true Measure of a Man is a tile and another one I think it's called listen to your life I will find out I found it out on the Oprah Winfrey Show when she made a attribute to Sydney Poitier at chasen's restaurant in Beverly Hills. In one of her shows

[@deniselandmesser9966]

Right!!!

[@fattoreangela1865]

Che bello che gente evoluta

[@angelacarleton9575]

Sidney Poitier to me was a "bright light" for the younger generations that admired the way he acted but also how he represented his race with dignity and grace. I never forgot what he brought to me "a way to survive" by his acting and his manners. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your good advice from acting in "To Sir With Love."

[@ricardobigi1712]

This man can be aptly called GREAT. His speech radiates dignity, a deep sense of history and self-worth. Sidney Poitier is a winner if there ever was a winner in Hollywood. God bless him and what he signifies.

[@patricksmith3432]

God bless u sir for your kind words

[@didaswambura964]

I have been listening to this for years and fail to get good words to comment on, today Ricardo Bigi, you've said it all and well. Allow me to echo you, This man is GREAT. Thank you.

[@danwaldis4553]

Well said!

[@danwaldis4553]

@Tobias Krew Why do people insist on invading a space to post some lame ad?

[@drewwinslow2105]

When Sidney Poitier speaks, time takes a holiday.

[@sheltondk43]

Excellent statement. Beautiful.

[@kathymarik1932]

Drew Winslow . Nicely put Drew

[@KKG51]

Very well put Drew!!!

[@trendmassacre8423]

So does Morgan Freeman.

[@lawranew5125]

His voice, makes me hott. Sooooooo sexy.

[@adelguy67]

RIP Sidney Poitier, may your strength, dignity and humbleness be a continuing shining beacon to all of us to never give up, thank you for your incredible movies!

[@ahbowakawapoussepousse2712]

I know it was a film... but this gentleman's performance and movie had such an impact on me... I became a teacher in later life. Bless you, to Sir with love.

[@abrm31222]

My favorite actor of all times, Sir Sidney Poitier...thank you...To Sir with Love!

[@robharding1957]

Such an icon of the screen who really is so humble yet so true to his fellow human beings- he is a credit to the black race but most of all to the human race.Greatness has no colour.

[@marygraham3189]

Amen to that

[@mikebasil4832]

Yes. Amen to that. Congratulations and thank you, Sidney. 👏🏻

[@yasirpunathil7143]

Yes Amen

[@brandy1883]

Why mention it! 'He is a credit to his race", it has always been annoying to hear that statement. It always sounded like "You look good for your age'! 'A popular saying of yester year 'it is a throw back from the '60'

[@patricksmith3432]

So true sir

[@gerryvanderzeypen1214]

"to my six children, three of whom have jobs"....LOL...love that one. What an eloquent speech. One of my favourite actors out of all of them and there are MANY MANY great actors out there, black and white...BRAVO!

[@caseytune6433]

This man has all of the dignity and nobility of any other person. He is still a great actor and an even better human being.

[@olivierbassong3195]

My favorite moment is when he said "welcome young bloods" and the camera went straight to Denzel who had that look of determination on his face. I felt that in my soul.

[@JenniferBrigitteOpticalVortex]

And he was already a Prince with an Oscar on his mantle. But he wasn't born to support. He was born to lead. He was Sidney's only successor. Denzel is a King.

[@Locktwiste72]

Sidney Poitier has a dignity and class that is without measure. He embodies dignity and class.

[@sheltondk43]

Every time I get to see or hear him speak, my heart begins to swell at his entry and my eyes well with the admiration he receives without commanding. Then he speaks. Grace, humility, natural stewardship. The energy of his presence heightens my intention of being. He is the tide that lifts all boats.

[@fuita227]

sheltondk43 ....wholeheartedly...but you should know that you have a gift yourself...your expression and choice of words are that of admiration itself...write a book, write a script...you got it too!

[@danielstanwyck2812]

One of the best speeches at this kind of gala event. Most of these award shows are self-congratulatory. He set a new bar.

[@itsthatwutangguy.9370]

i love sidney but that speech was pretty shit.sounded like a 9 year old reading for the second time.

[@robharding1957]

daniel stanwyck your not related to the late great Barbara Stanwyck are you ?.

[@axx012]

@@itsthatwutangguy.9370 It does sound like he didnt prepare, Just wrote the speech if he did, and is just reading off of it.

[@arthurmano7421]

His speech is a complete encyclopedia covering from his parents to childhood to actor to father to grand father.Very inspiring full of beautiful words laced togethera real leader to fallow and a mood changing speeches full of hope and love and gratitude .LET US ALL PRAY TO GOD for his good heealth and giving a legend to this too good a human being.

[@shigsho]

This man is pure class and common sense.

[@markricks]

Rest peacefully Sir...with love 💜🕯️🙏🏽

[@yell50]

It shows he has a courageous attitude in order for him to be selective of the movies that he did decide do, because it was a time of nauseating in your face racism, yet he still turn down any roles which he considered stereo typical, this shows he has great confidence in his acting ability which marks him up as one of the world greatest actors. ......Nice one Sidney

[@brandy1883]

The people that he admired tells a lot about him!

[@jacktrades24]

With dignity and grace, his entire speech was about expressing gratitude to others who have brought him to this place, and encouragement to others who strive to follow his path. He is not only one of the finest actors of the day, but a leader with the best traits of humanity.

[@albertcharles7182]

When I look at this and realise how many giants of cinema are gone...; I ache. God bless them all..and thank God we still have Mr. Poitier.

[@Probity100]

What a beautiful, humble, wise, eloquent and selfless man. True role model

[@MrDavey2010]

Dignity personified. Many current A list actors should learn from this remarkable gentleman.

[@ugleeamerican]

I am a white male of 46 years to date. I have probably by accident saw my first of many Sidney Poitier films when a young boy who did not understand the civil rights struggle of the sixties, but lived through some of it, and intergration after it. However through Sidney I believed that a black man can have morals, goodness and above all dignity. How else could a white bread boy of the time know? That is part Sidney`s legacy to me.

[@emersonsmith1603]

U r right if only everyone could see it that way this world we live on will be such a better place to live and be free for all man kind

[@sunny_zeddy_cy]

beautifully said : thats largely what Mr.Poitier did 🌠 he proved to society the value & importance of transcending colour & ethnicity

[@Aurora-lp9sn]

It was never impossible, just harder.........wow this beautiful soul

[@margretsims1322]

RIP.......what a class act he was!

[@ኢያሱዘአዲስአበባ]

I have watched this many times but never left a comment, but I do now. Sydney is one of a kind a special person both personally and professionally. I enjoyed almost all his movies and I have also learned a lot from it. He was indeed a pioneer and and trail Blazer as no one can in the industry. He is beyond black and white, he is just above and beyond that, a blessing to America and the world at large. God bless you !

[@professorx8549]

My mom took me to see " To Sir With Love" as a young Boy. I was forever fascinate with This Man. A highly admirable Human Being.

[@mahdihassan6426]

" Be true to yourselves, be useful to the journey" such a powerful quote who will resonate inward of everyone who endows a bit of a sens, feeling and empathy. Sidney Poitier went through hardship and challenge beyond .measure. this prize seems be a reward to those challenging and blooming moment he has been endured. Such a colossus!

[@ForEverGilda]

I couldn't express it better than TheJazzlady and other people on this page. Sidney Poitier is not only a great actor, but he is above all a rare human being, in the noblest sense of the word. Just look at his face when he speaks so eloquently and smiles. I love you too, Mr. Poitier. God bless you.

[@purpleroyalty6260]

I decided to watch this again and pay my respects to a great man. My favorite movie by him was Guess Who is Coming to Dinner. The first time I watched this tribute, I was touched and second time watching it, equally touched. I always thought of him as AC - All Class. I believe he said it best "Be true to yourself and useful to the journey." RIP Mr. Poitier!

[@277fnkymnky]

Mine was Patch of Blue. With Shelly Winters

[@basaru83]

What a man! Your life was well done sir, may you rest in Heavenly peace❤️❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🥇🥇💐💐💐💐💐💐🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊

[@mirandabisnou1307]

Sir Sidney Poitier, AN EXTRAORDINARY example of what CLASS, ELEGANCE, CONFIDENCE, CHARISMA, POISE, HUMILITY & SELF LOVE, TRULY IS!!! 💕💟👍🏼💓💖 #SidneyPoitier

[@123benny4]

Someone I dearly respect and admire.

[@julieannejoolz]

A truly wonderful actor, activist, and Man, I had a massive crush on Him when I saw To Sir With Love back in the 60s I was 11 and thought he was the most beautiful and powerful man ever! I guess I was right! 🙏🌹👏❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@phoenixnoah8384]

You sir,POITIER walked through the door of greatness and your gift to other actors, especially of color is you having walked in as for me I get to be an actor because you did it .... may your legend grow through the ages.You are my teacher.............

[@supersesqui]

What a wonderful and moving speech.

[@Clan635]

Regal eloquent dignified a class act gentleman a superb actor truly a wonderful human kind and gentle!! I shall miss you 😢 Sir Sidney Poitier RIP in Heavenly Grace 🙏🥲To you Sir with Love 💔

[@GinaGreenlee]

TREMENDOUS speech. Want that transcript. Gorgeous wife. Great shout out to Stanley Kramer: "God bless your maverick soul."

[@mariaguanipa5230]

What an inspired speech! I love his way of speaker.

[@mazinsakharov]

Sidney Poitier shared a love for the arts with the many, with a socially conscious art of the few. Some years back, yours truly was into literary writing. At the time, the stream of consciousness was a shaping influence. The following piece is one of the memorable souvenirs of that earlier youth: “Beside a cloud that flitted past me in a while of brief time’s spell - a window framed in passing memory. Over a tranquil coast that’d waited patiently beside the sea to levitate its face to the moving wind, a fleeting body of water, the sea’s blinking mirror, shadowed and yet real, a drizzle blown from the seaside.” In memoriam of Sidney James Poitier, February 20, 1927 - January 7, 2022

[@vb14086]

Beautiful piece, and I hope you have continued to write and share your art.

[@stephenmccollum1391]

Such a powerful speech!!!

[@verolawson3898]

You are a legend Sir ❤️ Rest in Love 😔❤️

[@snoops71]

One of my favorite actors, and one of the best.

[@sherriepatrick9308]

Wow! Too bad we don’t have that kind of class and inspiration in Hollywood anymore. No hatred. No politics! Just pure class.

[@DeedeeLuvsSidney]

Wonderfully eloquent. Well deserved!

[@allymayful]

A totally magic man - such presence - the best.

[@yolly7846]

"To the young black African American actors who have arrived,...............it was never impossible,just harder!"

[@WeaponXXIV]

I wish I could press the like button over and over again

[@mollymathias1157]

Sidney Poitier epitomy of love and kindness. What an adorable human. "Not impossible but harder " 👌💝

[@luiscavalcanti3431]

OMG. He’s amazing guy. Can’t tell how happy I was when I rewatch this video because I’m in love with this guy for so long and I must say he deserves much more than ❤️that .

[@janetdavies5909]

I think when he was put on this earth was too be a human being .a incredible human man.

[@marvinhagler4721]

Hes been thru SO MUCH..I cant imagine being an actor in HIS time..A black man in HIS time..READ HIS BOOK...

[@jeehanar-rahmaan105]

A man of much class and respect. You will be missed but the pride and love you gave will be around always. Rest in peace you deserve that and much more.

[@jaleelmuhammad1127]

"Be true to yourselves and be useful to the journey"

[@dorisbaldwin7512]

a wonderful man, a wonderful example. One who is loved for his high honour, humour and dignity. so much more this wonderful is loved for. Thank you.

[@LeticiaSanchezCorrea]

I love all his work! Love love!!

[@Kingman422]

This is what a legend looks like and sounds like. RIP legend that is Sidney Poitier. 😥👏❤🙏

[@hollyholy5362]

In The Heat of the Night is one of my favourite films. Sidney Poitier was a class act.

[@MrDavey2010]

Holly Holy A superb movie for sure. Magnetic performances.

[@looqischmidt5581]

First time i ever saw him, and i was thinking...who is this guy?....now i know!

[@MrImiller07]

Sidney Poitier, perhaps more than any contemporary leading film actor, is an extraordinarily articulate and moving public speaker. He remembers to thank everyone responsible for his career: Stanley Kramer, the director of The Defiant Ones and Guess Who's Coming To Dinner, Ralph Nelson, director of Lillies Of The Field, his Oscar performance, Norman Jewison, director of In The Heat Of The Night, and Rod Steiger and Richard Widmark, who befriended him and were memorable co-stars.

[@armydude4life6149]

What a powerful speech...Dreams do come true

[@sandragrant8271]

I'm so proud of this man. And I don't even pretend to know him, his journey. My cheeks are wet. He embodies everything good and Noble about humanity.

[@robertlongwill8856]

Sidney Poitier is such an elegant and eloquent human being this man has so much class and Charisma it's not even funny he's one of my favorite all-time actors. The Lilies of the Field Guess Who's Coming to Dinner In the Heat of the Night etcetera. What else can you say about this man he's close to 90 now if not 90

[@goonerdave1968]

great actor and a class man.

[@robharding1957]

goonerdave1968 Absolutely !!.

[@annedevon8666]

Such an elegant, dignified, strong, excellent actor who could be intense and quiet, gentle at the same time. Paved the way and gave the cues to those who followed him. Bravo always, Mr. Poitier

[@yevaburshteyn6938]

What a great thanks speech by Sydney Poitier.. in 1992.Such great actor with gignity and self respect. You aways be in my heart ❤️

[@monicamoreira8863]

Yes Sydney Portier is a very elegant, gallant man. A brilliant actor! Congratulations 🥳 Sydney ! Love ❤️ you!

[@yinghuynh2280]

Never get bore listening to him speaks.......so eloquent.

[@velvetcherrylips]

I loved Sidney Poitier as Mr Mark Thackery in To Sir, With Love, what a lovely Man !!!

[@keithwilson6060]

Deerie Lou It was a bloody good movie.

[@KKG51]

It was the first movie I saw that made me cry when I thought he was leaving the teaching job. I was about 13 or 14 when i saw this in the theater.

[@cmrwrite]

I saw him in To Sir With Love and read the book when I was in 7th grade English. I remember it had a really big impact on me. He was one of the first male adult actors that really inspired me. I saw Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner too. Both excellent films...I have seen him doing minor roles in other stuff too but those two are my favorites. I had such a crush on my 7th grade English teacher. I probably would have had a crush on Sir too...

[@angelacarleton9575]

Deerie Lou - loved him for his inspiration on how to survive on less money!

[@brandy1883]

Guess who's coming for dinner?

[@irwinmiller8684]

One of the best acceptance speeches made by an AFI Life Achievement Award recipient. Poitier was helped in his career immeasurably by Stanley Kramer [ The Defiant Ones } Joe Mankiewicz { No Way Out ], Ralph Nelson [Lillies Of The Field}, Norman Jewison and Walter Mirisch { In The Heat Of The Night} . Magnificent actor and great man.

[@pedroballadares5253]

And today we are mourning Mr Belafonte, today he’s having a great time beside Mr Pointer , RIP both , we are missing them !😢

[@ReddzVoice]

Brilliant Actor; brilliant man! Peace and love...

[@deborahsteele7427]

"Truly Outstanding, and memorable indeed" ... " A Great Tribute to our dear Sidney Poitier " ..." My returning comments are on the way!" ... Blessings always, Ms. Deborah J. Steele , your global inspirational creative writer - 1/09/22

[@cassandradennis5685]

That was Beautiful!!!!❤👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@janetmaxwell222]

His portrayal of a high school teacher in To Sir with Love inspired me to become a high school teacher. I will be retiring soon...thank you sir.

[@nworaonwuzulu182]

In Sidney Poitier, the world has lost an icon, a pacesetter, a trailblazer of extraordinary abilities, and a true giant. May his soul rest in peace.

[@vanessalaurence1597]

Sidney has always been an extremely classic man so full of pride of his people as well as himself!!!

[@injakim3882]

My favour actor!, and hoping he makes more movies.

[@2slick35]

Black excellence...that's the best way I can describe such a man! Legend!

[@boppob1343]

That was an incredible introduction and then speech by Sidney. What a man

[@chelimartinez9999]

What a humble sweet man! He will be missed for sure. One of the greatest actors ever. May he be in the arms of Jesus!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@timothydodenhoff1068]

I certainly hope so, but being kind, humble and all that ( as wonderful as that is ) doesn't get you to Jesus, I didn't hear him mention thanks to God, at all! By grace only are we saved, not by anything within us! I hope he was a true believer, but we know not whether he was or not.

[@elainebarnes2772]

💞 WHAT A THOROUGHLY WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING, IS SIDNEY POITIER! THEY DON'T MAKE MEN LIKE HIM ANYMORE... HAVEN'T FOR A LONG TIME. 💞 ALL MY RESPECT, SIR... WITH... WELL, YOU KNOW!

[@markrush5013]

he remains,forever,magnificent

[@luvforeverify]

What a Legend!!

[@beverlyking2108]

A great pioneer in acting. A leader in divine dignity and a leader in wisdom for young people in the whole world. I wish I had one chance to meet him. A great man

[@johnlovin7366]

MS Suzy Lucy stopped by my apartment. I would like to apologize 😂😃 for losing my temper A court order says she won't be stopping by my apartment again It wasn't my idea 😂💡 for the idea. I just want to 😢 cry. I assured Ms Suzy Lucy that I won't lose my temper again until next week

[@johnlovin7366]

I cannot yell at Ms Suzy 😃😅 Lucy. I lost my voice. I could just 😭😢😭😢 cry. Im going to take my cocker spaniel out for a walk

[@felixsicardo7338]

Love him.. lillies of the fields..to sir with love..my 2 favorites

[@jacktrades24]

In The Heat Of The Night is also one of my favorite films. I saw it when it was first released. It was made in a day when there was no CGI programming or special effects. All the focus was on the interaction of the characters. Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger (RIP) are two of the finest actors to have ever graced the screen, and the chemistry between the two was beyond superb. IMO, it was one of the best films ever made.

[@mitch1835]

If you have never seen "Lillies of the field" it's a must see. One of his earlier films.

[@neelabhraroy4238]

mitch1835 a total masterpiece and a terrific Oscar winning performance by Poitier

[@cmrwrite]

What’s it about...is it a drama or

[@scifinerd17]

cmriley2009 Lilies of the Field is a drama, it’s about a traveling handyman going through the desert and ends up finding these poor German nuns who have a leaky farmhouse, he fixes it for them but they won’t pay him for his work. They have no money, and he sees how they struggle to survive, so he decides to stay and help build a church for them and teach them to sing church choirs and lift their spirits up. The movie ends with him having finished building the church and parting ways with them with a huge amount of respect that both him and the nuns have for each other.

[@VtRD]

George Steven, Jr. gives a masterful speech, too. For more on Sidney, I suggest reading his books. Well worth your time.

[@blokblok7952]

He just is beautiful........

[@pobocze]

Great, great person and actor. Film legend deserved the world. For me it is a symbol of freedom, dignity and humanity. Thank you that you are, Mr. Poitier!

[@uncleb5564]

Rest In Peace Mr. Poitier.