Happy Birthday, Sidney Poitier

His Excellency Sir Sidney Poitier, Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, was born 81 years ago today.

Sidney Poitier was Hollywood's first African-American to win the Best Actor Oscar. Poitier won his award in 1963 for his role in Lilies of the Field. He picked up another Academy Award in 2002, this time for lifetime achievement.

In 1974 he was made a Knight of the British Empire. Stepping into the world of diplomacy, Poitier is the Bahamas' ambassador to Japan and to UNESCO.