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Sidney

Play trailer 2:42 Poster for Sidney PG-13 2022 1h 47m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 80 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
From producer Oprah Winfrey and directed by Reginald Hudlin, this revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier and his legacy as an iconic actor, filmmaker and activist at the center of Hollywood and the Civil Rights Movement. Featuring candid interviews with Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Robert Redford, Lenny Kravitz, Barbra Streisand, Spike Lee and many more, the film is also produced by Derik Murray, in close collaboration with the Poitier family.
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Sidney

Sidney

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Critics Consensus

Sidney might feel a bit standard compared to its trailblazing subject -- but then again, it'd be all but impossible to capture a life this extraordinary in any single film.

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Critics Reviews

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Candice Frederick HuffPost Dec 6, 2022
“Sidney” doesn’t bother to simplify details around Poitier’s biography, nor does it try to complicate his story. Rather, it honors the very real complexities of the life he lived. Go to Full Review Colin Grant New Statesman Nov 2, 2022
Though far from hagiography, Sidney is laudatory, and given to a kind of soft-focus sentimentality, especially when a lachrymose Winfrey is interviewed. The tone is set by the inclusion of extracts of film archive, and Poitier’s calm, dignified voice. Go to Full Review Randy Myers San Jose Mercury News Sep 29, 2022
3/4
While the reflections from Denzel Washington, Oprah, Robert Redford help define Poitier’s career and life, it’s when we hear from the legend himself that “Sidney” comes to life. Go to Full Review Jericho Tadeo MovieWeb Jul 12, 2024
"Revolutionary" is a word that gets thrown around and carelessly tacked on to a lot of things, but it is precisely the best word to describe Poitier as an artist and activist. Sidney triumphs in reminding us of why exactly that is. Go to Full Review Louisa Moore Screen Zealots Dec 5, 2022
The most effective and touching parts of the documentary come when Sidney tells his story in his own words. Talking directly to the camera, he reminisces about a life well lived, creating a memoir of his legacy that will live on for generations. Go to Full Review Armond White National Review Nov 23, 2022
He’s memorialized as an artist-activist and significant only for that. The doc is angled toward how Oprah wants us to see Poitier and herself. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Kyle M @RT77296778 Jan 15, 2024 If you haven't seen all the actor's works, this respectfully enriching humane portrait detailing his legendary contributive stature will still definitely win you over as it further cements his legacy over the important themes he'd confronted and emphasized. (A-) See more Michael W @mawilps Jan 29, 2023 This showbiz documentary was very good. The entire crew did a spectacular job on documenting on the career of one of the greatest actors of all time Sidney Poitier. It goes into specific detail of his childhood and on all the movies he starred and directed. He really was a true inspiration to the world. If you're an Apple TV+ member, you have to watch this documentary sometime. It's a definite must see. See more Oct 21, 2022 Outstanding documentary about a beautiful, powerful, gracious and determined man and one of our greatest actors! See more Read all reviews
Sidney

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Cast & Crew

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Reginald Hudlin

Director

Denzel Washington

Self

Halle Berry

Self

Robert Redford

Self

Lenny Kravitz

Self

Barbra Streisand

Self

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Sidney

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Sidney

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Movie Info

Synopsis From producer Oprah Winfrey and directed by Reginald Hudlin, this revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier and his legacy as an iconic actor, filmmaker and activist at the center of Hollywood and the Civil Rights Movement. Featuring candid interviews with Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Robert Redford, Lenny Kravitz, Barbra Streisand, Spike Lee and many more, the film is also produced by Derik Murray, in close collaboration with the Poitier family.
Director
Reginald Hudlin
Producer
Derik Murray, Oprah Winfrey
Screenwriter
Jesse James Miller
Production Co
Apple Studios, Harpo Films, Digital Thunderdome, Network Entertainment
Rating
PG-13 (Some Smoking|Some Language|Racial Slurs)
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 23, 2022
Runtime
1h 47m
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