Pioneering Black Star Rises in Hollywood Cinema
Celebrating the Legacy of Sidney Poitier at BFI Southbank
This January, BFI Southbank is hosting a season of films and events to honor the life and career of the late Sidney Poitier, the iconic Bahamian-American actor, director, and activist who passed away three years ago. Poitier's groundbreaking performances shattered racial stereotypes and made him the first black superstar in cinema.
The season showcases Poitier's four-decade-long career, from his early roles that challenged Hollywood's stereotypical portrayal of black characters to his later films that reflected the new social mood. Throughout his career, Poitier portrayed a new and dignified African-American character, dismantling longstanding racist stereotypes.
Key films in the season include Poitier's landmark debut, "No Way Out" (1950), and "Blackboard Jungle" (1955), in which he played Gregory Miller, a leader of an interracial gang, providing a sulky, self-assured, sexually charged black counterpart to the Hollywood youth antihero of the 1950s.
Poitier's breakout roles paved the way for him to become Hollywood's biggest box-office draw, culminating in 1967 with his role as Detective Virgil Tibbs in "In the Heat of the Night" (1967). His memorable line, "They call me Mr. Tibbs!" announced his arrival as a powerful figure, standing up to racism. The film received the Best Picture Oscar and spawned two sequels, solidifying Poitier's place as a black cinema icon.
The same year, Poitier starred in "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," a social conscience drama that became a cultural milestone. Playing John Prentice, an eligible black suitor seeking the approval of Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn's liberal couple, Poitier conveyed the image of the accomplished and clean-cut hero that dominated his roles for the next two decades.
As social attitudes and expectations evolved, so did Poitier's persona. Later in his career, he shifted from star to director, creating films that moved away from his former, more clean-cut screen persona. Films such as "A Warm December" (1973), directed by Poitier, explored themes of Pan-African awareness and highlighted the spiritual depth of his direction.
The BFI Southbank season will also screen "Stir Crazy" (1980), Poitier's first film as a director but not as an actor, featuring the comedy duo of Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder.
The season includes additional contextual events such as a season introduction, screenings of UK Television shows featuring Poitier, a restoration of "Cry, The Beloved Country," and a free-to-access Collection Focus on Poitier in the BFI Reuben Library.
The season is a fitting tribute to a screen legend who continues to inspire audiences with his emotionally truthful performances, cementing his position as Hollywood's first black superstar. Poitier's work broke barriers, paving the way for more diverse representation in Hollywood, and his legacy continues to resonate today.
Events showcasing Poitier's illustrious career in entertainment include screenings of his films such as 'Stir Crazy' and the restoration of 'Cry, The Beloved Country'. Additionally, roundtable discussions on science, movies-and-tv, and entertainment will delve into the impact of Sidney Poitier's work on the industry and his continued resonance today.
