Barack Obama
He honors the “groundbreaking” Sidney Poitier
Barack Obama honored Sidney Poitier with a medal in 2009.
© imago/UPI Photo
Barack Obama also mourns the deceased actor Sidney Poitier. He embodied “dignity and grace” like no other.
In the person of Sidney Poitier (1927-2022), numerous stars of the industry agree, one of the most important actors in film history has died. But ex-President Barack Obama (60) also knows about the immense importance of Poitiers, who in 1964 was the first African American to be awarded an Oscar for “Best Actor”.
Obama posted a photo on his official Twitter accountwhich shows him and his wife Michelle Obama (57) at the actor’s side. He wrote: “Through his groundbreaking roles and unique talent, Sidney Poitier embodied dignity and grace. He revealed the power of films to bring us closer together. He also opened the doors for generations of actors. Michelle and I send his family and his many fans love. “
Obama honored Poitier in 2009
In 2009, Obama, as incumbent US President, presented Poitier with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It is one of the highest awards in the United States given to civilians.
Poitier was from the Bahamas, but was born during a visit to the United States and was therefore a US citizen. After various engagements at the theater, his Hollywood career began in 1950 with “The Hatred Is Blind”. His most important works include “Lilien auf dem Felde” and “Flucht in Ketten” (1958), “In der Wärme der Nacht” (1967) and “Sneakers – Die Lautlosen” (1992). He last appeared in front of the camera in 2001 in the TV movie “The Last Brickmaker in America”.