This child of former slaves went on to become a major Hollywood actress and the first Oscar-winning African American, winning Best Supporting Actress for her role in Gone with the Wind alongside Vivian Leigh and Clark Gable.

When McDaniel was barred from the film's premiere at Loew’s Grand Theater in Atlanta due to Georgia's segregation laws, Clark Gable threatened to boycott the event. California's welcome for the 1940 Academy Awards at the Ambassador Hotel was only slightly more open minded: McDaniel was allowed to attend the event (despite the hotel's no-blacks policy) but had to cross the room from a segregated table at the rear to accept her award that evening. Sadly, her groundbreaking win did not open the doors for other African Americans: the Academy didn't award another Oscar to an actor of color for another twenty four years, when Sidney Poitier won for the 1963 film Lilies of the Field.

Asked by Susanna Henke · Last updated 5 years ago · 0 views · SOURCE