JAMIE FOXX - FOXX THANKS WINFREY FOR POITIER MEETING

OSCAR winner JAMIE FOXX paid tribute to OPRAH WINFREY last night (27FEB05) for introducing him to his acting idol SIDNEY POITIER, during his acceptance speech.

Foxx, 37, picked up the Best Actor accolade for his performance as late R+B legend RAY CHARLES in biopic RAY.

During his speech on stage at Hollywood's Kodak Theater, Foxx said, "I see Oprah and I see HALLE (BERRY). I just want to say your names. I want to talk to you later. Both of you.

"Because Oprah got - allowed me to meet somebody by the name of Sidney Poitier.

"And, yes, Sidney Poitier said, 'I saw you once. And I looked in your eyes and there was a connection.' And he says, 'I give to you responsibility.' So, I'm taking that responsibility tonight.

"And, thank you, Sidney."

Poitier made history in 1963 when he became the first African American to pick up a Best Actor ACADEMY AWARD for LILLIES OF THE FIELD.