In 1940, Hattie McDaniel, who played 'Mammy' in Gone With the Wind, made history by becoming the first African American actress being nominated and winning 'Best Supporting Actress.' At the 12th Academy Awards ceremony, she was the only Black woman present in the room who could only attend the event held at the segregated Ambassador Hotel because producer David O. Selznick requested her admittance. However, she was banned from attending the film's Atlanta premiere. When casting for the role, Selznick received a letter from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt suggesting her personal maid for the part. He ultimately chose McDaniel after a suggestion from Bing Crosby. Her achievement paved the way for Sidney Poitier, who became the first Black actor to win 'Best Actor' in 1963. He was followed by Denzel Washington in 2002 and Halle Berry who became the only Black actress, as of 2024, to have won the 'Best Actress' Oscar in that same year.