Hattie McDaniel was the first African American woman to win an Oscar, achieving this historic milestone in 1940 for her role in "Gone with the Wind." Her win represented a significant breakthrough in Hollywood, although it came amid a backdrop of pervasive racism and segregation. McDaniel’s talent and resilience demonstrated the challenges faced by Black artists in the film industry. Despite her groundbreaking achievement, she often navigated a complex relationship with Hollywood, balancing her success with societal expectations and racial stereotypes.