Documentary backdrop image for Sidney (2022)

2022112 minPG-13documentary

7.0/ 10(47 ratings)• TMDB

Civil Rights

Deep Dive

Sidney

2022112 minPG-13documentary

7.0/ 10(47 ratings)• TMDB

Go deeper

Poitier's legacy is explored through interviews with Quincy Jones, Halle Berry, and Spike Lee, highlighting his impact on Hollywood and civil rights.

“The life and legacy.”

Genres

Director

Watch later

Synopsis

Poitier's legacy is explored through interviews with Quincy Jones, Halle Berry, and Spike Lee, highlighting his impact on Hollywood and civil rights.

Go deeper

People

View all →

Reginald Hudlindirector

Jesse James Millerwriter

Sidney Poitiercast

Harry Belafontecast

Halle Berrycast

Synopsis

Sidney Poitier appears in his final film, reflecting on his legacy. Directed by Reginald Hudlin, "Sidney" includes interviews with Quincy Jones, Halle Berry, and Spike Lee. The documentary premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2022, and was released on Apple TV+ on September 23. It covers Poitier’s contributions to Hollywood and civil rights. The film documents his influence on the film industry and his work as a mentor to future generations.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

Meet Sidney Poitier, a trailblazer in film history.
See insights from stars like Halle Berry and Spike Lee.
Find out about Poitier's final appearance in this documentary.

Did You Know

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2022.
It was released on Apple TV+ on September 23, 2022.
The film has a 90% positive rating from 80 critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
It holds a Metacritic score of 70 out of 100 based on 21 critics.

Perfect For

Film history enthusiastsSidney Poitier fansDocumentary lovers

Read full Deep Dive →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed the documentary Sidney?

Reginald Hudlin directed the documentary Sidney.

When was Sidney released on Apple TV+?

Sidney was released on Apple TV+ on September 23, 2022.

What is the average rating of Sidney on Rotten Tomatoes?

Sidney has an average rating of 7.7/10 on Rotten Tomatoes.

Awards & Festivals

Toronto International Film Festival

2022 • Official selection

Awards & Festivals

Comments

What are people saying?

Play More Like This

57m

Captured on Film: The True Story of Marion Davies

2001•57m•★5.0TMDB

Marion Davies, a pioneering screwball comedienne in early Hollywood, is remembered through interviews and archival footage that detail her legacy and ties to William Randolph Hearst.

Captured on Film: The True Story of Marion Davies

2001

1h8m

Stars for Freedom: Hollywood, Black Celebrities, and the Civil Rights Movement

2015•1h8m

On August 28, 1963, a group of Hollywood celebrities, including Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier, discussed their involvement in the Civil Rights Movement during a CBS round table.

Stars for Freedom: Hollywood, Black Celebrities, and the Civil Rights Movement

2015

32m

Booker T. Washington: The Life and the Legacy

2017•32m

In 1881, Booker T. Washington founded Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, which became a significant educational institution for African Americans.

Booker T. Washington: The Life and the Legacy

2017

30m

Hollywood Roundtable

2012•30m

Seven entertainers, including James Baldwin and Marlon Brando, gathered in Washington on August 28, 1963, to discuss the Civil Rights March for jobs and freedom.

Hollywood Roundtable

2012

50m

How Mandela Changed South Africa

2017•50m

27 years in prison ended for Nelson Mandela in February 1990, marking a significant shift in South Africa's fight against apartheid.

How Mandela Changed South Africa

2017

30m

The Time Has Come

2016•30m

Barbara Jordan delivered the keynote address at the 1976 Democratic National Convention, marking a significant moment in Black political participation.

The Time Has Come

2016

46m

Spike Lee Interview: Exploring Gordon Parks' Versatility and Impact

2022•46m

Spike Lee reflects on Gordon Parks' artistic versatility and impact, highlighting his role in social justice through photography and film.

Spike Lee Interview: Exploring Gordon Parks' Versatility and Impact

2022

59m

Pulitzer Prize Stories: Journalism That Changed History

2026•59m

The Pulitzer Prizes, established by Joseph Pulitzer, represent a century-long legacy of excellence in journalism, highlighting impactful stories of truth and resilience.

Pulitzer Prize Stories: Journalism That Changed History

2026

28m

Lee Grant Interview: From Hollywood Blacklist to Oscar Winner

2025•28m

Lee Grant reflects on her career from Broadway in the 1950s and surviving the Hollywood blacklist to becoming a documentary filmmaker focused on social issues.

Lee Grant Interview: From Hollywood Blacklist to Oscar Winner

2025

10m

The Anti-Racist Camp Republicans Can't Ban

2021•10m

Young campers at Any Town camp in Arizona confront race and privilege through guided discussions.

The Anti-Racist Camp Republicans Can't Ban

2021

48m

How Ike Led: The Principles Behind Eisenhower’s Biggest Decisions

2020•48m

Eight years of peace and prosperity marked Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidency, driven by his "Middle Way" approach to leadership and decision-making.

How Ike Led: The Principles Behind Eisenhower’s Biggest Decisions

2020

58m

The Women’s Suffrage Centennial: Impact and Legacy

2021•58m

Nearly 800 local leagues of the League of Women Voters continue the work of suffragists to promote women's voting rights across the United States.

The Women’s Suffrage Centennial: Impact and Legacy

2021

Explore Sidney

Trailer Cast & Crew Awards Deep Dive Topics FAQ Stream

Where else to watch

57m

Captured on Film: The True Story of Marion Davies

2001•57m•★5.0TMDB

Marion Davies, a pioneering screwball comedienne in early Hollywood, is remembered through interviews and archival footage that detail her legacy and ties to William Randolph Hearst.

Captured on Film: The True Story of Marion Davies

2001

No digital watch option in your country

55m

Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light

2000•55m•★6.7TMDB

Sidney Poitier recounts his challenges moving from Jamaica to New York City, where he pursued an acting career that would span over six decades.

Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light

2000

1h58m

Mandela

1996•1h58m•★6.3TMDB

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison, a period that shaped his role in the fight against apartheid and his eventual election as South Africa's first Black president.

Mandela

1996

1h10m

Sam Cooke: Legend

2003•1h10m•★7.1TMDB

Over 70 minutes, the film details Sam Cooke's rise from gospel music to becoming a key figure in R&B and pop, while also addressing his civil rights activism.

Sam Cooke: Legend

2003

1h40m

Sid & Judy

2019•1h40m•★7.4TMDB

Over 100 minutes of rare concert footage and personal recordings reveal the life and struggles of Judy Garland, a Hollywood icon marked by both fame and tragedy.

Sid & Judy

2019

53m

Denzel Washington: A Model American

2022•53m•★7.0TMDB

Two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington has shaped American cinema over a 30-year career, portraying complex characters that reflect Black identity.

Denzel Washington: A Model American

2022

1h43m

By Sidney Lumet

2015•1h43m•★6.8TMDB

Three iconic films, including '12 Angry Men' and 'Dog Day Afternoon', are discussed by director Sidney Lumet in interviews conducted shortly before his death.

By Sidney Lumet

2015

1h38m

Bertha Lutz: Women and the U.N. Charter

2021•1h38m•★10.0TMDB

Bertha Lutz played a key role in ensuring women's rights were included in the discussions that shaped the U.N. Charter in 1945.

Bertha Lutz: Women and the U.N. Charter

2021

Browse more like this

10m

The Anti-Racist Camp Republicans Can't Ban

2021•10m

Young campers at Any Town camp in Arizona confront race and privilege through guided discussions.

The Anti-Racist Camp Republicans Can't Ban

2021

No digital watch option in your country

1h43m

Sing Your Song

2017•1h43m•★6.9TMDB

A 50-year commitment to civil rights defines Harry Belafonte's life, blending his career in entertainment with activism for social justice.

Sing Your Song

2017

57m

Passion and Memory

1986•57m•★10.0TMDB

Five black entertainers, including Hattie McDaniel and Sidney Poitier, are profiled to show how their film roles have evolved over sixty years.

Passion and Memory

1986

2h20m

Jim Brown: All-American

2002•2h20m•★5.0TMDB

Jim Brown, an NFL Hall-of-Famer, is examined through his athletic achievements, acting career, and activism in Spike Lee's documentary featuring insights from notable figures.

Jim Brown: All-American

2002