In 1940, McDaniel became the first African-American to win an Oscar. Hattie was also the first Black actress to win Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘Gone With The Wind’ as Mammy, a stereotypical maid. McDaniel accepted the award at a segregated hotel in LA where she had to sit at a table for two way in the back.
2. Louis Gossett Jr.
Gossett Jr. was the first Black actor to win a Best Supporting Actor award, for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman.’
3. Sidney Poitier
In 1964, Poitier became the first Black actor to win a Best Actor award for his role ‘Lillies of the Field’ as Horner Smith, a struggling handyman.
4. Forest Whitaker
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Whitaker took home a Best Actor award for his role as the unruly Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the biopic ‘The Last King of Scotland.’
5. Halle Berry
Halle Berry continues to be the only Black actress to take home the Best Actress award for her role as Leticia Musgrove, a struggling single Black mother, in the 2001 film ‘Monster’s Ball.’
7. Cuba Gooding Jr.
In 1996, Cuba Gooding Jr. became the youngest Black actor to win Best Supporting Actor for his role as the egotistical football player Rod Tidwell in ‘Jerry Maguire.’
