celebrating black participation in the american film industry. the museum's president and director, jacqueline stewart, explained the significance of what was on view, including a special tribute to hattie mcdaniel, who was the first african—american to win an academy award in 1940. well, i think hattie mcdaniel�*s one of the most important figures in the history of american cinema. she is the first african—american to be nominated for and to win a competitive oscar for her role as mammy in gone with the wind. 0h, now, miss scarlett, you come on and be good and eat just a little. no! and that's a film that was really contentious. many african—americans were upset about the revival of this romantic vision of slavery and the role that she played as a mammy, as a servant, but she saw it as a role of great dignity, she played the role incredibly well and was rewarded for it, and i think it's important for people to recognise the sacrifices and the hard work that she really, really demonstrated during this early period. hattie mcdaniel.