Oprah Winfrey executive produces Sidney Poitier documentary for Apple

A documentary about the late Sidney Poitier is currently being worked on by Apple, with Oprah Winfrey said to be attached to the project that has been in production for over a year.

The first Black winner of the Academy Award for best actor, Sidney Poitier died on Friday aged 94. Following his passing, it has been revealed that work has been ongoing on a documentary about the landmark actor.

Harpo Productions and Network Entertainment are working on the film under Apple Original Films, with Winfrey executive producing the effort, reports Variety. It will be directed by Reggie Hudlin, known for films "House Party" and "The Black Godfather," as well as regularly serving as an executive producer for the NAACP Image Awards.

Poitier's family has been participating in the project throughout its production. In a statement after Poitier's death was announced, the family said he was "not only a brilliant actor, activist and a man of incredible grace and fortitude, he was also a devoted and loving husband, a supportive and adoring father, and a man who always put family first."

Hailing from Miami, Poitier was known as a trailblazer in Hollywood, earning his first Oscar nomination for "The Defiant Ones" in 1958 then later winning for "Lillies of the Field." Other films he starred in include "Patch of Blue," "Heat of the Night," "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," and "The Blackboard Jungle."

Release details for the documentary are unknown at this time, but it is expected to become available to watch via Apple TV+ after its release.

4 Comments

Anilu_777 579 comments · 8 Years

About 2 years ago

Mr. Poitier was an awesome actor and I enjoyed films such as To Sir With Love, In the Heat of the Night and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. Classy and cool at the same time.

darkvader 1146 comments · 15 Years

You know "executive producer" just means her name gets stuck on it, right?

ronn 688 comments · 20 Years

darkvader said:

You know "executive producer" just means her name gets stuck on it, right?

That usually applies to actors as a way to compensate them for working on passion projects where they'll be paid well below their standard/expected fee. Ever since she took control of her career on the advice of her friend Roger Ebert decades ago, Oprah has been a very hands-on person. Especially for projects she wants. This was the case for "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" after she read the book and researched the story. Poitier was one of her heroes and I remember her teary reaction when he surprised her on her show and praised her work. The fact that he and his family was involved in the project probably means she's very, very involved in this project, especially now that he's gone. She'll want to do him proud for all his inspiration and good deeds.

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