France gave actor Sidney Poitier its highest arts honour today at the Cannes Film Festival, where the culture minister praised him for tearing down barriers for black actors in Hollywood.

In Los Angeles, Denzel Washington took the Oscar for best actor for his role in Training Day at the 74th annual Academy film awards.

Sidney Poitier is to be given an honorary Oscar.

Oscar-winning actor Sidney Poitier has received the Living Legend Award at the annual Trumpet Awards honouring black achievements in politics, science and the arts.