Hugh Jackman pays tribute to late director Sidney Poitier by sharing star-studded throwback photo featuring the likes of Oprah Winfrey, John Travolta and Barbra Streisand

Hugh Jackman has paid tribute to legendary Hollywood director and actor Sidney Poitier, following his death aged 94.  

Poitier was the first black man to win a best actor Oscar, and is recognised for leading a distinguished film career at a time when segregation still plagued America. 

Posting to Instagram on Sunday, Jackman, 53, honoured the late film legend by sharing a rare throwback photo of the pair posing at a star-studded Hollywood party.  

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Star-studded: Hugh Jackman paid tribute to late director Sidney Poitier following his death by sharing this rare, star-studded photo featuring the likes of Oprah Winfrey, John Travolta and Barbra Streisand on Sunday

'It was here, with this amazing group of friends, that [my wife] Deb and I met the exceptionally kind hearted, smart, cheeky Sidney Poitier,' he wrote next to a group photo featuring the likes of Oprah Winfrey, John Travolta and Barbra Streisand. 

'A life well lived. A man well loved,' the Australian star added. 

Quincy Jones, James Brolin, Gayle King, Donna Karan and Hugh's wife Deborra-Lee Furness were also pictured in the group photo.    

Memories: 'It was here, with this amazing group of friends, that [my wife] Deb and I met the exceptionally kind hearted, smart, cheeky Sidney Poitier,' Jackman wrote in the caption. Pictured is Poitier holding his Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Lilies Of The Field

Poitier's death was confirmed by the Bahamas's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fred Mitchell, on Friday morning. His cause of death is not yet known. 

The film icon left behind a trailblazing career which many A-List stars celebrated in their messages of condolences.  

It was no surprise to see such a huge outpouring of tributes for the Bahamian-American star from fellow actors. 

Paying respects: Poitier's death was confirmed by the Bahamas's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fred Mitchell, on Friday morning. His cause of death is not yet known. Mourners laying flowers by Poitier's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 7 2022

Poitier's groundbreaking acting career saw win an Oscar in 1964 for his role in Lilies of the Field him and earn two further Academy Award nominations, ten Golden Globes nominations, two Primetime Emmy Awards nominations, six BAFTA nominations, eight Laurel nominations, and one Screen Actors Guild Awards nomination.

Twice-married, he had four daughters with his first wife Juanita Hardy and two with his second wife Joanna Shimkus. 

Halle Berry, Whoopi Goldberg, Viola Davis, Jeffrey Wright, Anika Noni Rose and many more lead tributes on Friday. 

'You are and always will be the true measure of a man': Halle Berry, 55, was the first black actress to win the best actress Oscar in 2002 as she posted a touching tribute to the star on Instagram with a snap of the talented thespians together

Berry, 55, was the first black actress to win the best actress Oscar in 2002 as she posted a touching tribute to the star on Instagram with a snap of the talented thespians together.

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She wrote: ''A tiny bit of myself is lost when my friends are gone,' Sidney Poitier wrote in his book LIFE BEYOND MEASURE. My dear Sidney, an enormous part of my soul weeps at your passing. 

'In your ninety-four years on this planet, you left an indelible mark with your extraordinary talent, paving the way for Black people to be seen and heard in the fullness of who we are. You were an iconic trailblazer; yours was a life well lived.'

Berry continued by talking about growing up admiring him and what a thrill it was when they finally met.  

Outpouring: Tributes poured in Friday morning following the death of legendary Hollywood actor Sidney Poitier at age 94

She wrote: 'I grew up idolizing you and will always remember the day when I first met you. It is the only time in my life when I've been rendered speechless! There I sat, with my words glued together, and you were as gracious and charming then as you would be during our decades of friendship to follow.

'Rest in peace, beloved Sidney. You are and always will be the true measure of a man.'

Golden Globe and Emmy-winning actor Jeffrey Wright was one of the first stars to react, tweeting: 'Sidney Poitier. What a landmark actor. One of a kind. What a beautiful, gracious, warm, genuinely regal man. RIP, Sir. With love.' 

Oscar-winner Whoopi Goldberg tweeted a touching message, reciting the lyrics to the theme song from Poitier's 1967 film To Sir, with Love.

'If you wanted the sky I would write across the sky in letters that would soar a thousand feet high.. To Sir… with Love,' she wrote, adding: 'Sir Sidney Poitier R.I.P. He showed us how to reach for the stars.   

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Oprah Winfrey wrote on her social media platforms: 'For me, the greatest of the 'Great Trees' has fallen: Sidney Poitier. My honor to have loved him as a mentor. Friend. Brother. Confidant. Wisdom teacher.' 

To Sir With Love: Oscar winner Viola Davis posted a tribute on Instagram

Star of Dreamgirls and Tony winner Anika Noni Rose tweeted: 'RIP Sidney Poitier. Thank you for being so kind, for every door you broke down and every slap you gave in return.'

'This is a big one,' said Oscar-winner Viola Davis. 'No words can describe how your work radically shifted my life.'

'The dignity, normalcy, strength, excellence and sheer electricity you brought to your roles showed us that we, as Black folks, mattered!!! It was an honor for my husband and I to share lunch with you at Spagos.' 

'You told us,'If your dreams do not scare you, they're not big enough'! I put this quote on my daughter's wall. Rest well Mr. Poitier.Thank you! Thank you for leaving a legacy. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.'  

Star-studded tribute: The actor began trending on social media Friday

Mariah Carey called him a 'true King': 'Beyond his unparalleled talent and devotion to change the world, to me, he was also a celestial, pure soul who took the time to care, talk, help and heal others so selflessly.

'I am blessed with the memories of our conversations that will be forever emblazoned in my mind. Condolences and love to the Poitier family. Rest in Power and Peace Sir Sidney Poitier.'

Alicia Keys wrote: 'Legendary GREATNESS! Thank you for all the doors you opened, for all the ceilings you broke through! Thank for showing us what GREATNESS looks like! You are never to be forgotten.'  

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Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt wrote: 'Sidney Poitier. An absolute legend. One of the greats' while Katie Holmes shared an image of him with the words 'Rest In Peace.'  

'A true King': Mariah Carey called him a 'true King' and remarked that he was 'a celestial, pure soul who took the time to care, talk, help and heal others so selflessly'
Legends never die: 'Legendary GREATNESS! Thank you for all the doors you opened, for all the ceilings you broke through!' Alicia Keys wrote in her tribute
RIP: And Katie Holmes shared a black and white portrait of the groundbreaking actor with a simple 'Rest In Peace'

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