The legendary actor Sidney Poitier is no longer with us, but his memory will be honored with a new documentary exploring his body of work. PerVariety, the doc is in the works at Apple with Oprah Winfrey attached to executive produce the Apple Original Films release. The untitled doc, which also included the involvement of Poitier’s family, has reportedly been in the works for more than a year.
Harpo Productions and Network Entertainment are collaborating on the documentary. Reggie Hudlin is on board to serve as director. Previously, Hudlin helmed the 2019 docThe Black Godfatherabout music producer Clarence Avant. He also helmed movies likeHouse PartyandBoomerangwhile also working on TV shows likeThe Last O.G.andBlack Monday.
Additionally, Hudlin has been collaborating with Apple as an executive producer for two Apple TV+ projects. He’s directingNumber One on the Call Sheet, delving into the history of Black leading men in Hollywood, and he’s attached to a sister documentary about Black leading women with Shola Lynch directing. A release date hasn’t yet been announced for Hudlin’s Sidney Poitier doc.
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Sidney Poitier Was the First Black Man to Win a Best Actor Oscar
Sidney Poitier’s career as a performer goes back to the 1940s. One of his most well-known roles was for 1963’sLilies of the Fieldas this earned him the Best Actor honor at the Academy Awards, becoming the first Black man to do so. The actor, whose other hits included movies likeGuess Who’s Coming to DinnerandIn the Heat of the Night, died on Jan. 6 at the age of 94. Many of those who knew him, along with fans who wish they did, have been in mourning ever since.
“To us Sidney Poitier was not only a brilliant actor, activist and a man of incredible grace and moral fortitude, he was also a devoted and loving husband, a supportive and adoring father and a man who always put family first,” Poitier’s family said when he passed. “Although he is no longer here with us in this realm, his beautiful soul will continue to guide and inspire us. He will live on in us, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren — in every belly laugh, every curious inquiry, every act of compassion and kindness. His legacy will live on in the world, continuing to inspire not only with his incredible body of work, but even more so with his humanity.”
Taking to Twitter, Kerry Washington posted, “We lost an elegant King today. Thank you Sidney Poitier. For not only opening the door, but for walking in this world with endless grace and excellence, so that today, still, we follow behind you, reaching toward the example that you set. Rest In Peace and in Power. We love you.”
“Sidney Poitier—such a great loss, such a talent,” added Mel Brooks. “He did so much for breaking racial barriers in movies. But he was also just a wonderful guy to hang out with, and I’m glad I have those memories. He will be sorely missed.”
