Top 10 Greatest Sidney Poitier Performances

This groundbreaking performer may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most inspirational, powerful, and iconic performances from this trailblazing actor. Our countdown includes “Shoot to Kill”, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”, “In the Heat of the Night”, and more! What’s your favorite Sidney Poitier performance? Let us know in the comments.
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#Film
#Actor
#Acting
#Celebrity
#Celeb
#SidneyPoitier
#InTheHeatOfTheNight
#Oscar
#AcademyAwards

[@WatchMojo]

RIP Sidney Poitier, you were a true trailblazer and cinematic icon. What’s your favorite Sidney Poitier performance? Let us know in the comments.

[@sherrd100]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@chasetemple1518]

First of all, it really is sad that Sidney Poitier died. Second of all, my favorite Sidney Poitier performance is your #1, Virgil Tibbs from In The Heat Of The Night (1967).

[@Lesley_RedRhody]

Though only an Honorable Mention, Sneakers has always been one of my personal favorites. I especially love the dynamic between Sidney Poitier’s Donald Crease and Dan Aykroyd’s Darren “Mother” Roskow. Plus who *DOESN’T* love Sidney’s badass delivery of the line: “Mother fuckers mess with me, I’ll split your your heads!”

[@Kys_edits_101_]

To Sir With Love should've been 2 or 1! He was amazing in that! How could you forget his most memorable role ever?

[@sfinthecity]

I can't believe she overlooked "To Sir, With Love"

[@jonasparker3806]

Words cannot express the legacy this man has left behind. He will be remembered forever.

[@PLAYplaceprod.church]

Thank you Mojo, for making this. What a legend this man. He lived 94 years of being influential, groundbreaking, and incredible. I feel like more people in my generation should know who this is. RIP to an amazing actor and filmmaker. Thank you Mr. Poitier, you are great.

[@mistersir4180]

RIP KING Everyone should check out his performance in A Raisin in the Sun. Such a great movie everyone involved was Oscar worthy in my point of view.

[@ToniWellons]

Most definitely!!! I read A Raisin in the Sun in high school and that’s when I saw the movie. Sydney was just brilliant in it!! He just brought those words to life. The acting between him and Ruby Dee was incredible.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

His enunciation of brick by brick still brings chills.

[@Dmagetbrain]

Amen. A very under rated movie. Very powerful and emotional performance by Poitier. Very Oscar worthy performance.

[@maeflower522]

For me personally, it’s never sad when you die in your 90s because it’s such a blessing and privilege to live a long life. Sidney Poitier is an important figure in Hollywood, RIP to this beautiful man!!!

[@journeytrials]

Thank you! You can’t live forever here on earth. He lived his life and did what he wanted!!

[@hazelanglin5907]

True 😊

[@aspiretoinspire9679]

Sidney Poitier was the first Black man to win an Academy Award for best actor, 🥰🥰🥰🥰a blazer of representational trails that forever reshaped the landscape of American culture. His image exploded the world's notions of whose stories were worthy of attention, whose presence could fill a theater, who could be called a movie star.

[@lexkanyima2195]

It's a shame that he wasn't nominated in 1967 for 3 movies.

[@rocky5000100]

Its ridiculous that it took nearly forty years for another black actor to win best actor.

[@renaldograyson9233]

Amen.

[@mrs.dr.spencerreid3992]

I was disappointed that “To Sir With Love” was only briefly mentioned. Excellent performance by Sidney 🌟✨⚡️

[@fbt25]

Yes, a movie ahead of its time, as well as a chart topper for Lulu.

[@mrs.dr.spencerreid3992]

@@fbt25 Yes‼️

[@elysiummedicalinc.884]

That was actually my favorite movie of his.

[@Beamshipcaptain]

I saw TO SIR WITH LOVE in the theatre in 1967 with my family. The music still holds up today! Sidney's performance, as always, was extraordinary.

[@13KS98]

I loved To Sir With Love. Such a talented actor, but also a great human being. RIP

[@ryanperez1999]

Sidney Poitier is forever one of the greatest and most influential actors we ever had. I'm glad he won an Academy Award but he deserves more. Especially for In the Heat of the Night, my favorite movie. He will always be an inspiration as he was to Denzel Washington. Thanks for everything, Sidney. You are the Black Panther of cinema.

[@lexkanyima2195]

It's a shame that he was left out in the cold in 1967

[@ryanperez1999]

@@lexkanyima2195 Yep. I guess the slap scene wasn't ready for the Academy.

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@ryanperez1999 maybe it is too edgy and maybe the reaction will be a civil war of race issues.

[@ryanperez1999]

@@lexkanyima2195 Yeah. I guess everyone wasn't ready for that scene. Especially around that time. But it helped the movie become iconic and showed that Sidney Poitier is a force to be reckoned with.

[@lexkanyima2195]

@@ryanperez1999 it is iconic and imagine if Poitier would be beat down in real life at that time.

[@lesthebest3171]

The greatest actor of his generation. Sir Sidney Poitier opened the door for every serious Black Actor to find a place in Hollywood.

[@armenasamuel2275]

Sidney you are going to be missed by me. I fell in love with you when I started to watch your movies. But I have a list of your movies that I can watch over and over again. These are six of my favorite movies : 1: TO SIR WITH LOVE 2: RAISIN IN THE SUN 3: LILIES OF THE FIELDS 4: GUESS WHO IS COMING TO DINNER 5: IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT 6: A PATCH OF BLUE. There are more that I enjoy watching but these are my favorite. R. I. P Sidney, your work here on Earth is done. Sleep in eternal peace.

[@hectorsmommy1717]

To Sir With Love should be in the top 10. That was the movie that made me fall in love with him.

[@janethutcheson3678]

Just so everyone knows that Sir Sidney is a Bahamian from the Bahamas who was Knighted by the Queen of England as a Bahamian. He later became an American, his parents were Bahamians. We as a county are so proud of him and all he has accomplished. R.I.P.💜🇧🇸🇧🇸🇧🇸🇧🇸

[@AHMAD-2324]

Sidney Poitier was such an AMAZING TALENT !!! RIP to a LEGEND.

[@ToniWellons]

The first thing I saw him in was A Raisin in the Sun. Such a brilliant actor! Even more a groundbreaking artist and activist!! I’m definitely going to go back and watch more of his movies! A true leading man he was, the first black actor to win an Oscar at a time where black people in leading roles in Hollywood was just unheard of but he broke the mold and paved the way for an entire generation of actors of color to follow and succeed. There would be no Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, Forrest Whittaker, Lawrence Fishburn, Daniel Kaluuya or Chadwick Boseman without Sidney Poitier! Rest in Power sir, what a lifetime of class, dignity and grace. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@VincentScales]

The "To Sir, with Love" did so unexpectedly well in the States that Columbia Pictures did market research to find out why so many people had gone to see it. Their answer: Sidney Poitier!

[@toyaadams8167]

it Is a Great Movie...I saw it when I was very young bc my mother loved that movie and watched it with her every time it came on tv...the 1st time I saw it I was only around 5 or 6...and I was Instantly feel in Love with that movie...it's definitely in my top 3 Sidney Poitier movies...and I've seen almost All his movies, by now...honestly is body of work has so much range...it's really kinda hard to narrow down his movies on a top 10 best list...since so Many of them were just that Good...and his performances...OMG...were Brillant...I'm actually Shocked he only has One Oscar...

[@LPJack02]

RIP and long live Sidney Poitier (February 20, 1927 - January 6, 2022), aged 94 You will always be remembered as a legend.

[@all4one06]

My mother would make me and my brothers watch his movies when they were on. She held Sidney Poitier up as a shining example of what a proud black man looked like. Growing up in 1960’s Deep South Mississippi as a child wasn’t easy. l recall my mother talking about “In The Heat Of The Night”, especially the scene in which Sidney slaps the bigoted white plantation owner Endicott after getting slapped first. Unthinkable that a black man would do that in Mississippi and live to tell it. I didn’t understand! All that changed as l got older and experienced racial discrimination firsthand, had fist fights with whites because of my blackness and saw the movie as an adult. “Mama, I fully understand now.” I now remember telling her once. And she knew l got it! Sidney Poitier demanded respect and got it! I’m a fan for life. What a great black man!!!!! Rest well, Sidney….😔🕊

[@JESUSISLORDforevermore888]

Your comment is 🏆🏆🏆🏆. Aloha 8/10/2024.

[@Buggy-su4oy]

He was also great in "Lillies of the Field" he deserved that Oscar...i also love the scene where he and the Mother Superior discuss his payment and she has him read the scripture about observing the Lillies and how God will provide.

[@sfinthecity]

Lilies.

[@SulliMike23]

A terrific actor, he will be missed.

[@jennyb7745]

Sidney Poitier . . . The most beautiful man that ever graced our screens! Miss him so.❤️

[@kores5324]

as a Bahamian, sir Sidney was just...the ultimate goal. he was untouchable. he was effervescent.

[@fallenkafiel]

an icon, a hero, a mentor, a fighter, a national treasure,

[@brandonallen3289]

Alright In the Heat of the Night is number #1. It's my favorite Sidney Poitier film. Him and Steiger were absolutely perfect. RIP Sidney Poitier. Gone but not forgotten.

[@kve1247]

RIP Sir Sidney Poitier🙏🏾🙏🏾I will always cherish the wonderful memories that u have bestowed upon us!! U were the best of the Best!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@kylecurry577]

What a commanding presence!A true brilliant auteur & gentleman. A person of depth , eloquence, resilience & character both professionally & socially. Peaceful journey Mr. Poitier. To Sir...with LOVE! To all films lovers please take some time & enjoy his excellence.

[@waynebrooks880]

There are some particular movies that should never be remade. In The Heat of the Night is one of them. They got it right the first time. Rest In Peace Sir. With love.

[@fbt25]

I just said the last sentence, but thanks for saying it first.

[@dawnmills5567]

I wish they would leave the old stuff right where they are, trying to remake them just isn't the same!!!

[@mythghost]

He inspired me into substitute teaching with To Sir with love. The world needs more teachers like that

[@kve1247]

I loved everything he added his name to🤩🤩one of my favorites that always comes to mind is “To Sir With Love!”👌🏽👍🏽💖💖I cry every time Lulu sings the title song!! Beautiful!!💕👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@Jimmersaunt]

I love Lilies of the Field, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, To Sir With Love, and A Patch of Blue. May Sidney Poitier RIP 🙏🏻

[@sunshine4121960]

Awesome, leader and producer, in our culture from the earliest years.🎥 that made the American people who we are today......Well done!! Sidney Poitier

[@freddiemolinajr.8397]

Sidney Poitier was a great actor and was a great person ❤ 👏 👍 👌 💙 😀 ❤

[@Aaqe]

Thank you, Sidney Poitier, with all our hearts!

[@hamiltonhaugh3982]

For those that don't know in the movie "In the heat of the night", Portier only accepted the role if he could slap the plantation owner back. R.I.P to a legend.

[@lexkanyima2195]

Why ?

[@dotishboy]

@@lexkanyima2195🤦🏽‍♂️

[@topcat6565]

Yep

[@anthonylm9113]

That I knew, & it was filmed in Sparta Illinois.

[@timothylawson3262]

@@lexkanyima2195 because he wasn't going to be disrespected.

[@draner2482]

Sir Sidney Poitier performances became a real eye opener for me. All I can say, BRAVO! and thank you for all the great work that was done for all the world too see, far and wide beyond the stars to heaven.

[@HeavyChevy3]

What a true legend; and still inspiring generations more. A true classic man! ✊🏿

[@bladestar8727]

Every Sidney Poitier appearance is a top 10! Man was a class act every second of every day, on film or off!

[@theoriginalblacknerd4524]

As a person who has literally watched every Poitier for almost 60 years. I think it was a good overall list. I definitely agree with Number 1 - the slap that launch the Golden era of Black film - 1970s. To Sir with Love (1967) is my number 1 movie as it was one of the movies that inspired me to eventually become a teacher. I thought that was a nice theme connect back to Blackboard Jungle which is also one of the movies that inspired me. That is the same theme connect with A Patch of Blue and Guess Who is Coming to Dinner. Other movies that had a tremendous impact in the Black communities were movies like Buck and the Preacher and his Cosby buddy comedies.

[@mr.decencykeepinitreal6348]

“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ is such an interesting movie, if Netflix add that, then I’ll definitely watch it.

[@julioramirez1053]

Or you could just rent it

[@chitown1782]

I think criterion has it.

[@werthmelissa]

It's on Netflix!

[@bookworm7076]

It's on Canadian Netflix.

[@johnconway6976]

Watch 'em all. At least watch the 10 on this list. Remember - and this is especially true in 2022 -- latest is not always the greatest. Check the daily listings on TCM and watch a few films (especially after reading up on the film, its actors and its director. If your young enough, I strong suggest you take a film class in order to gain more of an appreciation of what goes into a film's creation. It's an education that will last a lifetime.

[@williamwilliam728]

One of only a few actors who has brought tears to my eyes and goosebumps 😢. An absolute legend... In the Heat of the Night was perfection 🥰

[@gw7120]

Shoot to Kill was the first movie i saw him in , and he blew me away as a actor , i googles him and realize why he had such conviction as a actor. Ground breaking actor

[@theycallmemrtibbs1684]

One of my favorite actors! RIP 😥

[@julierobinson8173]

Brilliant 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 😍🙏🏾

[@memorylanemodelcars]

A Patch of Blue. Tremendous and Heart wrenching. Poitier and his Co-Star cause Tears Everytime I see its my Favoorite of his movies

[@kdavies3105]

I'm surprised that "To Sir with Love" doesn't make the top 10 or even an honourable mention?

[@seanmorgan1460]

To Sir with Love. Excellent Film!

[@alexhidalgo7110]

Rest In Peace he was incredible

[@sunshine4121960]

I love watching all the episodes:1,2,4 and 6. They're my favorites movies. Thanks for sharing.

[@JanetAMills]

Great choices. Can't argue too much with your selections!! Thank you for uplifting this awesome actor and humanitarian!

[@CherieulaJ]

I loved him SO MUCH, I named my 3rd son Sidney. At the time I was criticized for doing it. I'm so glad I named my baby boy after him, and so is he. I will miss him, but he left a great legacy of film for all of us to enjoy. 😘❤️❤️❤️May he RestInPeace 💔🕊️

[@chelseacanales8763]

I love him Lilies of the Field. He did a amazing job and that won him and became the first African actor an Academy Award Oscar. The world will miss a wonderful human being. Thank Mr Poitier for leaving your legacy.

[@MADBD619]

You will not be forgotten, Sidney. Bless you, man.

[@frankieclayton9303]

Definitely one of my favorite actors I love his movies

[@shakkamusa2366]

Sidney stood shoulder to shoulder with some of the greatest actors in America. I was always more hopeful and stronger after watching one of his movies. You did well, my brother. RIP.

[@georgesais8687]

Yea, I agree and showing my age I believe I watched every film that Sidney was in. The picks reminded me. Thank you and thank you Sidney!

[@ferbluesy]

In the heat of the night was his best work in my opinion. An actor who was second to none. RIP.

[@reggaeroots1693]

First positive role model I seen on TV as a kid back in 60's in the UK....Rest easy Mr Tibbs

[@patriciasloan5122]

i just remember as a child loving his acting skills and thinking how handsome he was. i have never seen a movie with him in it i didnt love

[@thekaidoz]

How on Earth is To Sir With Love only a passing note on #10??? That film was groundbreaking and one of the greatest films of all time discussing everything from racial, gender, immigration, class, and generational concerns are all done with such grace and style! A master class in showing emotional growth in every actor in the film. Your list is sadly lacking the crown gem of Poitier’s illustrious career.

[@patticrichton1135]

I AGREE!!! I am STUNNED that it is not on this list!! It's MY favorite film of his, followed by "A PATCH OF BLUE" and "GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER". I know more people who have seen "TO SIR WITH LOVE" than have seen his other films.

[@JulieS261]

Another great actor who was a bridge between the golden age of Hollywood and the modern age. He worked with many greats of the past as evident in these clips...Glenn Ford, Richard Widmark (twice), Telly Savalas and many others.

[@mylesromin7636]

What an amazing actor 🙌🏾

[@chefclewis]

What a great top ten. Sidney Poitier was one of greatest influence in the industry. If wasn't for Mr. Poitier, there wouldn't be a Samuel L Jackson, Denzel Washington, and more black actors. God bless you Mr . Poitier. RIP🙏🙏🙏

[@lexkanyima2195]

Or Eddie Murphy And i doubt that

[@lydiawagoner7065]

AMEN.

[@TurboWulfe]

Dude was the man, amazing actor. 😎🍻🤘

[@khairuladlan4053]

In The Heat Of The Night To Sir, With Love And my all time favorite... Guess Who's Coming To Dinner Thank you, sir

[@Jazzmine1]

I may only 30, but he definitely was my first crush. A powerful man!

[@mr.decencykeepinitreal6348]

Film actor. Oscar winner. Father. Friend. Sidney Poitier, everyone you know will miss you.

[@daveluna7931]

RIP , God Rest . Mr Poitier was an amazing actor

[@kimkovaly3096]

My favorite movies of Sidneys are To Sir, With Love and A Patch of Blue. Such an amazing actor. RIP Sidney,you'll always be loved and remembered. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@kris242]

There’s seriously too many great Poitier performances, but “To Sir With Love” definitely deserved a mention. My absolute favorite of his ❤️

[@jamesmendonca2900]

Sydney Poitier was an actor who had went through a lot and changed a lot for African Americans. He will be missed.

[@travellmcintosh]

He's actually a Bahamian

[@jamesmendonca2900]

@@travellmcintosh Yes. I remember reading that he lived on a tomato farm in the Bahamas.

[@whatevergong82]

@@travellmcintosh He's both. He was actually born in Miami, Florida as a premature infant in 1927 while his parents were visiting the U.S., so he had dual citizenship.

[@jeandillon5552]

Gest who coming to dinner is my Favourite I could watch it once per week and never get bored. RIP sir Sidney Poitier 💐💐💐💖🙏

[@SulliMike23]

Sidney Poitier was a great actor. He will be greatly missed.

[@anthonymason3854]

Love this greatly, elegant and classy. Trailblazer, didn't have to play a slave to win a Oscar. My favorite performance: In The Heat Of The Night.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💝💝💝💝💝💝🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@frankmoniz1467]

Mr. Poitier is a true legend. May he rest in peace.

[@sam3kperv]

To sir with Love ❤ 🤝🕊

[@sarahmorissette2760]

Someone to be very proud of. RIP 🙏 Sidney.

[@Buggy-su4oy]

He was great as Virgil Tibbs from "In the Heat of the Night" and as Tony Curtis' partner in the "Defiant Ones"

[@austintrousdale2397]

What a groundbreaking career and incredible filmography! Rest In Peace, Sir.

[@martharunstheworld]

To Sir With Love is my favorite! It's such a great movie!

[@thylacine1004]

100%

[@beyourself2444]

A Patch of Blue is by far his best work. 1 A Patch of Blue, 2. The Defiant Ones, 3. A Raisin in the Sun, 4. No Way Out and 5. In the Heat of the Night or To Sir with Love are his best work

[@honestone490]

I agree with your ranking as well.

[@williamhazelwood5427]

A true legend in cinema.

[@pamelanewman5470]

RIP Sir Sidney you were a trail blazer. To Sir with love.

[@BobSmith-uc5js]

I always liked Poitier in Duel At Diablo with James Garner. Rest in Peace.

[@daniellebrown9381]

To Sir, with Love will always be my favorite movie of his.

[@AudreyDQueenReid]

To SIR with LOVE❤

[@ajeshbenny5955]

to sir with love fav film brilliant actor

[@livingmoneypolitics]

Sidney Poitier was such an example for many including myself. Please don't forget Sidney's comedic side as he played alongside Bill Cosby in "Let's do it again"' and "Which way is up". Truly talented. Thank you for letting me see I can be more. RIP

[@terencedove5047]

Many thanks for posting this! Although Sidney was seemably the most widely recognized and respected trailblazer of color in this industry, his footstep was as equally heavy as a number of groundbreaking entertainers of color who in their own ways paved very definitive paths during those reconstructive years…

[@Kobra6510]

"They call me Mr. Tibbs." Subtle yet commanding much like the man himself.

[@dennismclaurin1487]

Spoken with dignity and bold pride, in the face of great opposition.

[@samxaiver9852]

Mr. Poitier was a powerful actor!

[@daryl772003]

This list should be more like the top 20 greatest Sidney Poitier performances

[@albertkinglion]

Rip Sidney poitier the greatest actor he's my favorite

[@sharonjones761]

To Sir with Love!

[@kevinsmith5288]

Edge Of The City, 1957, seems to be the forgotten Sidney Poitier film. It's excellent, along with great performances by John Cassavetes and Ruby Dee. Also A Warm December, 1973, which he starred in, and directed

[@victorwekesa6001]

RIP. A legend.

[@jaylene.turner6524]

R.I.P. Sidney Poitier.

[@karrinelizabethblair899]

Love Sydney Poitier beautiful soul brilliant actor❤❤❤

[@paulaseabrook1688]

In The Heat of the Night, then To Sir with Love!

[@michaelcoelhojr6851]

To Sir With Love should have been on the list!

[@akbmfm]

I still remember that ending to The Defiant Ones. Rips me to shreds everytime.

[@lydiawagoner7065]

THE END OF DEFIANT ONES"...UH SEWING MACHINE!😂😂😂