And The Oscar Goes To… These Memorable Moments From The Academy Awards

A huge step towards integration in America

Segregation deeply affected black actors and actresses, who would not get the same recognition as their white peers. So, when Hattie McDaniel became the first black person to win an Oscar in 1940, things did not go smoothly.

Actor Hattie McDaniel holding the plaque she won at the Academy Awards.
Image courtesy of John Kobal Foundation / Getty Images

Even though she won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind, McDaniel had to accept her award in a segregated hotel, away from the rest of the nominees.

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