20 Most Influential Actors Of All Time

A leading figure in the '60s movie scene, Sidney Poitier is one of the most intelligent and measured actors to ever step in front of a camera. His roles as smart, strong and measured characters have cemented him as one of cinema's best stars, and his historic Oscar win for his masterful performance in 1963's Lilies of the Field has blazed a trail for black actors for years to come.

Whether it be on Lilies of the Field, To Sir with Love, The Defiant Ones or A Raisin in the Sun, Poitier is a staggeringly versatile and competent actor whose screen presence and strong voice make him a revelation to watch.

Behind the scenes, Poitier refused to play African-American stereotypes, and gained a reputation as an intelligent and co,artist. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner has to be noted, too, when talking about Poitier, since it such a landmark film about race relations anchored by his typically confident performance.

Watching it, you can't help but think that, even at 93, he could still act with the best of them, and it's safe to say that his influence is one of Hollywood's most important.