NEW YORK – In 1963, Sidney Poitier made a film in Arizona, “Lilies of the Field.” The performance led to a huge milestone: He became the first Black winner of a lead-acting Oscar.
Now, Arizona is the site of another milestone for the legendary actor and filmmaker. Arizona State University has named its new film school after him.
It was to unveil The Sidney Poitier New American Film School at a ceremony on Monday. The decision to name the school after Poitier, 93, is about much more than an emphasis on diversity, said Michael M.
Crow, president of the university, in an interview ahead of the unveiling. “You’re looking for an icon, a person that embodies everything you stand for,” Crow said. “With Sidney Poitier, it’s his creative energy, his