Sidney Poitier documentary, executive produced by Oprah Winfrey, in the works at Apple

The star, who was the first Black actor to win the Best Actor Academy Award, had passed away recently aged 94

The legacy Sidney Poitier has left behind is unparalleled, to say the least. At a time when the United States was marred by instances of terrible segregation and rampant systemic racism, the actor had defied all odds to make a cosmic rise to stardom. So it comes as no surprise that a documentary detailing the life and achievements of the late star was announced to be in the works.

According to a report in Variety, the documentary has been in production at Apple for over a year, and Oprah Winfrey will serve as an executive producer on the project. The Apple Original documentary also has the late actor’s family involved in it as well. It will have Harpo Productions and Network Entertainment as its production banners.

The upcoming project will be directed by Reggie Hudlin. The filmmaker is known for directing the documentary The Black Godfather, based on the life of American entrepreneur Clarence Avant. He also has two other documentaries based on impactful black stars in the film industry currently in the works.

Poitier made history in 1963 by winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for the film Lilies of the Field, becoming the first African American actor to win the accolade.

The actor also became the first black actor to be nominated for an Academy Award in the lead actor category as well, being nominated for his performance in the 1958 film, The Defiant Ones. Some of his other well-known films include Porgy and Bess; A Raisin in the Sun; A Patch of Blue; To Sir, with Love; Guess Who's Coming to Dinner; and In the Heat of the Night.

The star passed away on Friday at the age of 94.

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