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February 1940

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Achievement · arts
Hattie McDaniel Becomes First Black American to Win an Academy Award

McDaniel won Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind at the 12th Academy Awards. She and her escort were seated at a segregated table at the rear of the Ambassador Hotel ballroom, separated from her white co-stars. Her win broke a barrier even as the ceremony itself enforced Jim Crow.

Events

  1. February 29, 1940
    Hattie McDaniel Becomes First Black American to Win an Academy Award

    McDaniel won Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind at the 12th Academy Awards. She and her escort were seated at a segregated table at the rear of the Ambassador Hotel ballroom, separated from her white co-stars. Her win broke a barrier even as the ceremony itself enforced Jim Crow.

  2. February 29, 1940
    Hattie McDaniel wins an Academy Award

    The first African American to win an Oscar, for Gone with the Wind.