#TodayInHistory Sidney Poitier becomes the first black Actor to win an Oscar for Lilies of the Field in 1964. One of the finest actors ever, a legend in his own right who would inspire a whole generation of Black actors from Denzel Washington to Morgan Freeman to Will Smith.

Sidney Poitier's Oscar win, was a turning point for black actors in Hollywood. Till then usually relegated to side roles or extras, he was the first ever black actor to be recognized in a lead role. He broke the barrier for acceptance of black actors there as lead heroes.

Sidney Poitier was a legend in his own right, one of the finest actors ever, with some memorable performances in movies like To Sir With Love, In the Heat of the Night. An inspiration for a whole league of black actors like Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Will Smith,