It was a gala night marked by a number of upsets, the principal one being Sidney Poitier’s garnering the “Best Actor” Oscar for ... discarded his prepared speech, instead expressed ...

Halle Berry became the first Black woman to win Best Actress at the Academy Awards in 2002 Sidney Poitier ... Oscar for Best Actor when he was recognized for Lilies of the Field on April 13, 1964.

"I accept this award in memory of all the African-American actors and actresses who went before me in the difficult years," Poitier said during his speech Sidney Poitier made history as the first ...