February 29, Hattie McDaniel becomes first Black actor to win an Oscar
Thursday, February 29, 2024
2024.0229.0006...
Today in History...
February 29, Hattie McDaniel becomes first Black actor to win an Oscar
Hattie McDaniel, left, was given the Motion Picture Academy award for the best performance of an actress in a supporting role in 1939 for her work as “Mammy” in the film version of “Gone With the Wind” on Feb. 29, 1940 in Los Angeles, Calif. The presentation of the award was given by actress Fay Bainter, right. (AP Photo)
February 29, Hattie McDaniel becomes first Black actor to win an Oscar
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I absolutely love this woman, or rather the body of work in movies that has been left to us on film. This 76 year old white kid, growing up in the 50s and 60s knew nothing about this remarkable actress. Only when I saw "Gone With The Wind" many years later did I have the honor to see this trooper in action. And with the launch of Turner Classic Movies I was able to see more and more of her work. Her acting was effortless, comedy and tragedy came naturally to her, you can feel the honesty that came from deep inside her own human experience. Although most if not all the roles she accepted were subservient in nature; the Black mammy, maid or housekeeper, she always seemed to overwhelm the other actors in any scene. As she is oft quoted, she summed up her acting life with these words: "Hell, I'd rather play a maid then be one." (See her in "Since You Went Away, 1944 film) I can't help but wonder what bravery she summoned to sit in the auditorium that evening, waiting to accept her Academy Award in a room far removed from the festivities enjoyed by the white actors. Her acceptance speech was truly summoned from the painful depths of this lady's past and spoken with unquestionable eloquence and sincerity. I revere this icon of Black acting for her work, her grace and the genuine love she had for her peers, and I consider her a jewel in my passion for the old black and whites.
ReplyDeleteShe was not alone. Many other Black Actors and actresses followed her lead, playing the roles offered them, even if demeaning, just to work in the entertainment industry. Another actress to read about is Louise Beavers and please see her in "Imitation of Life, 1934, where she had second billing to Claudette Colbert, playing a housekeeper then business partner and trying to raise a fair-skinned Black child who can't accept being Black and wants to pass for white. Amazing story.
Forgive my ramblings, I told you I love these oldies. Although the treatment of Black actors in that time, including the many cringe-worthy black-face movies that are regrettable, they are part of this country's not so luminous past and we should not try to hide who we were, how we treated our own citizens or suppress any of the details. These are the chapters from which we can learn and hopefully prevent from happening in the future. If you feel as I do, that's an uphill battle with the political turmoil running aggressively in our country now. Trying to change historical fact, rewriting history, burning books and important archives should be challenged and the people responsible for this outlandish behavior should be charged with felonies and sent to prison. Thank goodness for the few remaining newspapers, journalists and media outlets that can see the truth and continue to keep these disgraceful acts of literary sabotage in the limelight. There is much work to do. Thank you
I always have enjoyed Hattie McDaniel. Gone with The Wind is a good movie, but cards on the table, she made the movie for me. I just adored her matching of wits to the O'Hara's, especially Scarlet, and gave both her and Rhett mouth and sass. I made her my In Three Words last week.
ReplyDeleteher bio here
ReplyDeletehe was bisex
She lead the way, actually. She took roles that most thought demeaning but she continued to work and prove that Black actors could act!
ReplyDeleteWhat I read about her Oscar night was that she was given a speech to read (if she won) which she did but was so humiliated by having to do it so she couldn't finish it, but broke down in tears. Sad.
ReplyDeleteMilleson - I've seen "Imitation of Life" and love it.
ReplyDelete