On April 13, 1964, history was made at the 36th Academy Awards in Santa Monica, California. Sidney Poitier won the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in “Lilies of the Field.” This was a monumental moment for the African American community as it was the first time an African American man won the Academy Award for a lead performance. Poitier’s win ushered in a drastic change in Hollywood.
Prior to that win, the actor had been nominated for an Oscar for his role in “The Defiant Ones” in 1958. That too was a historical moment as it was the first time an African American male lead was nominated. Needless to say, his subsequent win in 1964 totally blew that out of the water. In the early days of 2022, Sidney Poitier sadly passed away leaving behind a legendary memory.
Drew Barrymore and Steven Spielberg Acting Like a Family
It all started when the 6-year-old Drew Barrymore lied her way into the role of Gertie in the classic fantasy film, "E.T." Since that day, "E.T." director Steven Speilberg and Barrymore practically became like father and daughter. Here the two of them, together with the filmmaker's wife at the time, Amy Irving spend a day shopping at Tower Records in 1985.
The two have often been photographed together on many family outings. The legendary filmmaker did in fact become her Godfather in later years when she was a teenager. They two of them have since supported one another on various projects throughout the years.
The Day Sean Penn and Madonna Wed
Much to their friends' dismay, the two eccentric and wild personalities, Madonna and Sean Penn shacked up, needless to say, it didn't last that long. It was August 16, 1985, when the two walked down the aisle. The relatively modest wedding took place in Point Dume, Malibu. About a half-dozen helicopters were filled with paparazzi who captured the memorable event.
The marriage was a wild ride from the start. The stars decided to marry within 3 months of knowing each other. They ultimately lasted five years which is actually a little longer than many predicted. Penn met Robin Wright soon after but has claimed even to this day that he still has love for the pop star.
Madonna's 'Material Girl' is Released
Just a year before the Queen of Pop, Madonna wed her reclusive Hollywood hunk, Penn, she broke the charts with her hit "Material Girl." The song was an anthem for girls around the world and still might be to this very day. Fans were blown away by the music video which had Madonna her iconic pink dress, iced with diamond jewelry.
The video was done as an homage to Marylin Monroe's, hit song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friends". The video incorporated the same designs and colors as the original but, of course with a more modern spin.
Humphrey Bogart Dies
Humphrey Bogart was known for many iconic roles throughout the 30s and 40s, such as "The Maltese Falcon" and "Casablanca." As one of the most beloved and respected leading men of his time, one might even call him the Leonardo DiCaprio of his generation. This made the day he died all the more painful.
The ceremony was attended by some of Hollywood's biggest stars, including Hepburn, Tracy, Judy Garland, David Niven, Ronald Reagan, James Mason, Bette Davis, Danny Kaye, Joan Fontaine, Marlene Dietrich, James Cagney, Errol Flynn, Gregory Peck, Gary Cooper, Billy Wilder and studio head Jack L. Warner.