On February 29 1940, Hattie McDaniel became the first black woman to win an Academy Award.  Hattie won for “Best Supporting Actress”.  At the awards that year, Hattie and her escort were seated at a segregated table for two, away from her cast mates.  This was a reminder of yet how far the industry and country had to go regarding racism.  Hattie faced a lot of criticism from the black community for playing the mammy roles and this is why I love this quote from her: “I’d rather play a maid, then be one.”  Hattie was a proud women and stood by her choices.  With all the drama surrounding “The Help” maybe we need to remember that. 

There is also some controversy as to what actually happened to Hattie’s Oscar, no one seems to be able to find it.  There is speculation that it went missing during the civil riots of the 1960’s.  Rumour has it, that her Oscar was thrown into the Potomac River in Washington, DC .  Howard University whom the Oscar was willed to, say they have no record of having received it.   What really happened to Hattie McDaniel’s Oscar? It still has not been found.  No matter what  caused its disappearance, she was still the first and acknowledged for it.  Hattie passed away of breast cancer in 1952.

Thank you Hattie for being the first and creating a path for many others.

Related articles

• Hattie McDaniel’s Missing Oscar (lawprofessors.typepad.com)
• Who can answer this question about Oscar Night? (jlue.wordpress.com)