Show Business: Wailing for Them All

When his name was read by Anne Bancroft, Sidney Poitier jumped out of his seat and headed for the stage with big bouncing strides, more like a great Negro high jumper than a great Negro actor. He gave Bancroft an exuberant hug, turned to the audience and said emotionally: "It has been a long journey to this moment."

Inevitably, some people thought that Poitier had been awarded an Oscar more as a Negro than as an actor. He answers this one best with his own confidence: "Watching the performances pound for pound, I had to accept the fact that I wasn't a...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!