"Because it is a long journey to this moment I am naturally indebted to countless numbers of people, principally among whom are Ralph Nelson, James Poe, William Barrett, Martin Baum, and of course the members of the Academy. For all of them, all I can say is a very special thank you." Key Event Details

Poitier’s acceptance speech at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium was famously brief and dignified:

Anne Bancroft , who congratulated him with a kiss on the cheek—a gesture considered groundbreaking at the time.

The piece refers to the historic moment on April 13, 1964, when Sidney Poitier became the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Lilies of the Field . Acceptance Speech Transcript

He won against Paul Newman ( Hud ), Rex Harrison ( Cleopatra ), Richard Harris ( This Sporting Life ), and Albert Finney ( Tom Jones ).

This win made him only the second Black actor to win a competitive Oscar, following Hattie McDaniel's Supporting Actress win in 1939. The Best Actor category would not see another Black winner until Denzel Washington for Training Day (2001). Sidney Poitier Academy Awards Acceptance Speech