9. Sidney Poitier

Widely regarded as Hollywood’s first African-American film star and cited by many as an actor who paved the way for Black actors in cinema, Sidney Poitier’s influence on the film industry in his 73-year career cannot be understated. From his debut role in the controversial 1950 film No Way Out, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, it was clear from the start that Poitier would challenge old stereotypes and seek to carve a career, not as a typecast side character but a leading man.

Apart from his legacy and influence being assured by being the first Black actor to be nominated for an Academy Award and the first Black male actor to win the award, his impact on society as a whole would go beyond the silver screen. He made immense contributions to the civil rights movement with his unwavering support of Martin Luther King Jr. and participation in the 1966 March Against Fear through the deeply segregated Mississippi. He showed that he was willing to put his life on the line for what he believed.