Lilies of the Field (1963)

Nominated for 5 Academy Awards:

Best Picture

Best Actor: Sidney Poitier (WON)

Best Supporting Actress: Lilia Skala

Best Adapted Screenplay

Best Cinematography, Black-and-White

 

Lilies of the Field is mostly known nowadays as the film for which Sidney Poitier won his Best Actor Academy Award, making history as the first African American to win that category. He is good enough in the part, and I won’t comment if it’s a deserved win, first because I haven’t seen most of his competitors, and secondly because I probably would’ve voted for him anyway. It was an important social message to be sent.

It’s a small film, with a very low budget, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. While it feels predictable at times, when you know the plot, the writing is good, and it does create two interesting and charming lead characters. Not enough is written about how Lilia Skala should’ve arguably won the Oscar, because she is very memorable, in a role we’ve seen done many times. I liked the film because it had heart, and also humour.

 

I give it: 8/10

IMDB LINK