Lilies of the Field (1963)

Nominee

I think one of the most distinguishing factors in any one person's identity is their sense of humor, and try as Hollywood might to discover a universal formula to win over our hearts, and with it our laughs, they cannot seem to get us all to agree. However, there is one thing that almost all comedy shares and it is the celebration of the flaws of the human condition. Now the best way to win me over is to couple this notion with great realist characters, sharp dialogue, and honest moments that are both humorous and poignant. And in the case of Lilies of the Field I found my favorite formula.

This very human story relays the tale of a traveling African American handyman, who happens upon a group of impoverished German nuns who believe that he was sent to help them build a chapel. And as Homer Smith, (Sidney Poitier) becomes more and more involved with the affairs of the sisters, specifically the whims of the highly persuasive and staunch Mother Maria Marthe (Lilia Skala) their two worlds collide with all sorts of humor and joy.

Poitier established himself in this film, and became the first African American to win the Academy Award for  Best Leading Actor, an award he unquestionably earned with this performance. While Skala provides the perfect foil in this rather unlikely friendship.

Overall: A truly heartwarming story that was performed to perfection and that demonstrates the vitality of friendship even in the face of incredible circumstance. These characters are flawed and because of that they are alive. Not to mention it is only 90 minutes! (I'm in love). Happy Watching!