This is one of the most exciting years in black film ever, and now 2014 will be remembered as a record year for African-American presenters at the Oscars.
Additionally, 2014 marks the 75th anniversary of Hattie McDaniel breaking the color barrier with her Academy Award win for Gone with the Wind.
Here’s a list of African-American presenters including Sidney Poitier who won the Oscar for Best Actor in 1963. At the age of 87, Mr. Poitier is the elder statesman of this year’s Oscars ceremony.
Be sure to tune in for the 86th Academy Awards on ABC Sunday, March 2, at 7/6c.
This year’s African American presenters include:
• Viola Davis (twice nominated for Doubt 2008 and “The Help” 2011)
• Jamie Foxx (winner for Best Actor for Ray 2004)
• Whoopi Goldberg (winner for Best Supporting Actress for Ghost 1990)
• Samuel L. Jackson (nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Pulp Fiction 1994)
• Michael B. Jordan
• Tyler Perry
• Sidney Poitier (nominated for Best Actor The Defiant Ones 1958. Winner for Best Actor for Lilies of the Field 1963)
• Gabourey Sidibe (nominated for Best Actress Precious 2009)
• Will Smith (twice nominate for Best Actor for Ali 2001 and The Pursuit of Happyness 2006)
• Kerry Washington
Follow Chris Witherspoon on Twitter for more Entertainment news at @WitherspoonC