Lilies of the Field
US (1963): Drama/Comedy
Sidney Poitier plays Homer Smith, an aimless ex-GI who takes a temporary handyman job at a Southwestern farm maintained by five German nuns. It is the cherished dream of the Mother Superior (Lilia Skala) to build a chapel (or, as she says, a "shapel"). She is convinced that the personable Homer has been sent from Above to help her realize her dream. He protests loudly and rudely, but she will not be dissuaded. How Homer accomplishes her goal, endears himself to the surrounding townsfolk, and avoids an arrest for a previous crime, comprises the heart of Lilies of the Field. The film, adapted by James Poe from a novel by William E. Barrett, was later remade for television (1979) with Billy Dee Williams, and it won Poitier an Academy Award for Best Actor, the first time that award was given to an African-American. Ralph Nelson directs for United Artists. (Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide)
5 nominations, 1 Award
· Actor 1963: Sidney Poitier
· Best Picture 1963: Ralph Nelson - Producer (Rainbow, UA)
· Supporting Actress 1963: Lilia Skala
· Writing (Screenplay based on material from another medium) 1963: James Poe
· Cinematography (Black and White) 1963: Ernest Haller