Black Excellence: All The Black People Who Have Won Oscars was originally published on globalgrind.com
1. Hattie McDaniel was the first African-American woman to win for her role as Mammy in “Gone with the Wind.”
2. Sidney Poitier was the first African-American male actor to take the statue home.
3. Louis Gossett Jr. was the first African-American actor to win Best Supporting Actor.
4. Russell Williams took home the award for Best Sound for “Glory.”
5. Denzel Washington took home his gold for his role in “Training Day.”
6. Irene Cara was the first African American to win for a non-acting role when she won for Best Original Song.
7. Lionel Richie won Best Original Song for “Say You, Say Me.”
8. Whoopi Goldberg won for her role as a spirit medium in “Ghost.”
9. Herbie Hancock was the first African-American to win for Best Original Score.
10. Isaac Hayes was the first African-American to win for Best Original Song.
11. TJ Martin was the first African-American to win Best Documentary Feature.
12. Willie D. Burton was the first African-American to win for Best Sound.
13. Prince took home the statue for Best Original Song Score for “Purple Rain.”
14. Cuba Gooding Jr. was a bit excited when he won Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Jerry Maguire.”
15. Who can forget Halle Berry’s emotional speech when she won for her impeccable acting in “Monster’s Ball.”
16. Morgan Freeman snagged himself a statute for Best Supporting Actor in “Million Dollar Baby.”
17. Jamie Foxx also tugged at heartstrings when he accepted his Oscar for his portrayal of Ray Charles in “Ray.”
18. Forest Whitaker took home the statue for Best Actor for his role in “The Last King of Scotland.”
19. Three 6 Mafia broke the record and caused quite the stir as the first rappers to win an Oscar.
20. Jennifer Hudson also made waves when she, as a newcomer, took home the gold for Best Supporting Actress.
21. Geoffrey Fletcher is the first African-American to win for Best Adapted Screenplay for “Precious.”
22. Mo’nique went on to win Best Supporting Actress in the film.
23. Roger Ross Williams is the first African-American filmmaker to win Best Documentary Short Subject.
24. Octavia Spencer warmed hearts when she won Best Supporting Actress for her role as no-nonsense Minny in “The Help.”
25. John Ridley won Best Adapted Screenplay for his take on “12 Years A Slave.”
26. Steve McQueen won Best Director for his work in “12 Years a Slave.”
27. Lupita Nyong’o was a fan favorite when she won Best Supporting Actress for her role as Patsey in “12 Years A Slave.”
