#11: Hattie McDaniel (1940)

Hattie McDaniel made history in 1940, becoming the first African American to win an Academy Award for her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind. Her win was groundbreaking, but it came with painful reminders of segregation.

Barred from attending the film’s premiere due to racist laws, she also had to sit separately from her white co-stars at the Oscars. Still, McDaniel delivered a moving acceptance speech, expressing gratitude and pride in her work.