The first African American to win an Academy Award was Hattie McDaniels. She achieved this historic milestone in 1940 for her role as Mammy in *Gone with the Wind*. Despite facing racial discrimination and limited roles in Hollywood, McDaniels's talent and resilience shone through, earning her critical acclaim. Her Oscar win was a significant moment in film history, symbolizing progress for African Americans in the entertainment industry. However, McDaniels's acceptance speech was marred by the racial prejudices of the time, as she was not allowed to sit with her white counterparts at the ceremony. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations.