Ranking The 30 Best Actors of All-Time

9. Sidney Poitier

Image Source: USA Today Sports

A legendary actor, director and diplomat, Sir Sidney Poitier has led a life full of remarkable achievements. He became the first African American to win an Oscar for his role in Lilies of the Field. Later, he was appointed the Bahamian ambassador to Japan. Because of his refusal to compromise his principles and his insistence on taking roles that avoided stereotypical depictions of African Americans, Poitier earned the respect of audiences and his peers alike. Adept at imbuing the multitude of striking characters he played with intelligence, pride, and righteous anger, Poitier’s screen presence and gravitas led him to the very top of his profession.