Sidney Poitier is a pioneering Black movie star who has introduced many roles of racial minorities in the cinema and film industry, many decades before #OscarsSoWhite and Black Lives Matter movements were popular and trending. Poitier has died at the age of 94 in his Los Angeles home. 

Poitier was the first Black star who was nominated for an Academy Award for "The Defiant Ones," and six years later, he was the first to win an Oscar for best actor for his performance in "Lilies of the Field." 

As he was collecting his award, Poitier addressed the audience - who were mostly White - that it had been a "long journey to this moment."  

His achievement was unmatched until 38 years later, when Denzel Washington won for his leading role in "Training Day." 

The legendary Sidney Poitier has reportedly passed away at 94. A true icon.

Here is a powerful interview from him back in 1968 - he was addressing how he was being treated by the press.

Rest in power. pic.twitter.com/WtjmN2sU27

— Clay 'Critical Thinking Theory' Cane (@claycane) January 7, 2022

He also won an honorary Oscar in 2002 for this "extraordinary performances" on the silver screen and his "dignity, style, and intelligence." He said,  "I accept this award in the name of all the African American actors and actresses who went before me in the difficult years and on whose shoulders I was privileged to stand to see where I might go."

Furthermore, Poitier praised American producers, directors, and bosses, calling their choices "visionary" as they were not afraid to stand up for equality, despite the backlash they may be exposed to. 

The star won for his unconventional roles in the film during tough times in the US, in the 50s and 60s. His roles dealt with racial stereotypes and bigotry, such as in the 1967 classics "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and "In the Heat of the Night."