but since that time, no african american had won an oscar, and certainly not top honors, until sidney poitier's heaven-sent role as a traveling construction worker for "lilies of the field." "god is good, he has sent me a big strong man." was just passing by." poitier, who had been more than just a passerby in hollywood had been making movies for more than a decade. a few years earlier, he was nominated for best actor for "the defiant ones" but didn't win. finally, april 13, 1964, potier and the african american community, got their due. "hollywood's big night! for the thirty sixth time, the world's amusement capital recognizes the year's top artists achievements with the bestowal of the coveted oscars." "in a dramtatic moment, anne bancroft names the best actor of the year." "the winner is sidney poitier in ..." "the winner is choked with emotion." "because it is a long journey to this moment, i am naturally indebted to countless numbers people. to all of them, i can say a very special thank you." more than two decades later, lilies director and producer, ralph nelson got emotional. "at that t