For which movie did Sidney Poitier win the Academy Award?

• A. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
• B. Lilies of the Field
• C. To Sir, with Love
• D. A Raisin in the Sun

Answer: (B)

Sidney Poitier won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Lilies of the Field." This film, released in 1963, is significant not only for Poitier's role but also for its portrayal of themes related to race and justice during a time of significant social change in the United States. Poitier plays the character Homer Smith, a handyman who helps a group of nuns build a church in the desert. His performance was lauded for its depth, warmth, and humanity, ultimately earning him the historic distinction of being the first African American to win an Oscar for Best Actor.

The other films, while important in their own right, did not earn him an Academy Award. "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" tackles issues of interracial marriage, "To Sir, with Love" focuses on education and societal challenges, and "A Raisin in the Sun" addresses dreams and aspirations in the context of a Black family's struggles. However, none of these films resulted in an Oscar win for Poitier, making "Lilies of the Field" his standout achievement at the Academy Awards.