What Happened On February 29th?

On February 29th, 1940 was a day that Hollywood would and will never forget. At the prestigious 12th Academy Awards ceremony, Hattie McDaniel won an Oscar, being the first African American actress to do so.

Her win for Best Supporting Actress for her iconic portrayal of Mammy in Gone With the Wind was a bittersweet victory, drawing attention to her extraordinary talent along with challenges faced by people of color in the entertainment industry.

The year, 1940 was a revolutionary one for the entertainment industry, television, and movies. Earlier this year, cartoons started to become popular, as “Tom & Jerry” debuted for the first time.

The night itself was fraught with racial segregation. McDaniel was seated at a segregated table away from the rest of the film’s cast, starkly reminding us of the racism she, and other Black performers, endured. Public segregation was a work in progress then, as Rosa Park’s resistance occurred only 5 years prior.

However, as her name was announced as the winner, her beaming smile and graceful acceptance speech broke boundaries of that time.

Her win was powerful, but it came with controversy. Some criticized her acceptance of a role which fit the racist stereotypes of Black women. Others believed she shouldn’t have even attended the segregated event in the first place! Yet, McDaniel handled these complexities with dignity.

In her speech, she said, “I sincerely hope I shall always be a credit to my race and to the motion picture industry. My heart is too full to tell you just how I feel, and may I say thank you and God bless you.”

These genuine words reflected a mix of pride, gratitude, and the hope for greater opportunities to come for African Americans.

McDaniel’s Oscar didn’t immediately open doors. It would take decades for more Black actors, actresses, writers, and directors to consistently gain recognition and opportunities within the industry.

Questions, Comments, Concerns?

This victory at the 12th Academy Awards was a great victory for Hattie McDaniel and for African Americans around the world.

As the Oscars occurs around this time of the year, I have to ask:

Who is your favorite Oscar performer of all time and why?

Let me know below!