In 1940, Hattie McDaniel, who played Mammy in "Gone With the Wind," made history by becoming the first African American actress to be nominated and win "Best Supporting Actress." At the 12th Academy Awards ceremony, she was the only Black woman in the room allowed to attend the event, held at the segregated Ambassador Hotel, because producer David O. Selznick had requested her admission.

However, she was banned from attending the film's Atlanta premiere. When casting for the role, Selznick received a letter from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt suggesting her maid for the part. He ultimately chose McDaniel after actor Bing Crosby suggested her.

McDaniel's achievement paved the way for Sidney Poitier, who became the first Black actor to win "Best Actor" in 1963. He was followed by Denzel Washington in 2002 and Halle Berry, who, as of 2025, is the only Black actress to win in the "Best Actress" category in that same year.