IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT (1967)

Sidney Poitier stars as Virgil Tibbs, a black detective from Philadelphia visiting his mother in Sparta, Mississippi, who's accidentally drawn into the fallout from the mysterious death of a wealthy businessman, first as a suspect and then as an investigator working with redneck sheriff Bill Gillespie (Steiger). Director Norman Jewison's richly atmospheric study of racism won five Oscars (including Best Picture and Best Actor for Steiger) and still resonates today.

The cast includes: Rod Steiger and Sidney Poitier; with Warren Oates, Lee Grant, James Patterson, Wuentin Dean, Larry Gates, William Schallert, and Beah Richards.

Seven Oscar nominations; five wins (Best Picture, Best Actor, Writing, Sound, and Editing).

Norman Jewison received a nomination for Direction.

The In The Heat of the Night Review

Best Picture Oscar Winner / Best Picture Index