#11: Making History at the Oscars

When Whoopi won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1990 for her unforgettable role in Ghost, she made history. Her portrayal of Oda Mae Brown, the sassy and reluctant psychic, was hilarious and heartfelt, providing a perfect counterbalance to the film’s supernatural drama.

She became the first Black woman in nearly 50 years to win an Oscar, following Hattie McDaniel’s groundbreaking win. Her emotional acceptance speech celebrated the importance of representation in Hollywood, and her win remains a milestone in cinematic history, demonstrating her extraordinary range as an actor.