Hattie McDaniel

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 present in the room who was allowed to attend the event, held at the segregated Ambassador Hotel, because producer David O. Selznick had requested her admittance. 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 being suggested by Bing Crosby. Her 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 became the only Black actress, as of 2025, to win the "Best Actress" Oscar in that same year.