There’s no denying the cinematic, music and television achievements of Black folks when it comes to the entertainment industry. After all, in the words of culture writer Melissa Kimble: “this world does not move without Black creativuty.” So it’s in that vein and in honor of Black History Month that we felt it fitting to take a look back on some of the greatest moments of Black History in Hollywood in no particular order.
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Hattie McDaniel-1940
Let’s start things off strong with the 12th annual Academy Awards back in 1940. That was day Hattie McDaniel made history as the first Black person to ever take home an Oscar. She took home the win for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Gone With the Wind.”
Arsenio Hall
In 1989, comedian and actor Arsenio Hall became the first Black person to host a late-night show. Airing on Paramount Television, the show ran for seasons until its conclusion in 1994.
Halle Berry
At the 74th annual Academy Awards, Halle Berry became the first Black woman to take home an Oscar for Best Actress for her role in “Monster’s Ball.” To this day, Berry remains the first and only Black actress to take home a win in the Best Actress category.
Cicely Tyson
In 1963, Cicely Tyson became the first Black person ever to star in a TV drama, “East Side/West Side.” Starring opposite George C. Scott and Elizabeth Wilson, the show centered around a dedicated social worker trying to solve the problems of his clients in the fascinating mix of cultures that makes up New York City. Tyson played the role of secretary, Jane Foster.
Oscar Micheaux
Oscar Micheaux made history in 1919 as the first Black filmmaker with his debut film, “The Homsteader,” which was based off his original novel “The Conquest: The Story of a Negro Pioneer.” The silent, black-and-white film told the story of a Black man who enters a rocky marriage with a Black woman, played by the pioneering African American actress Evelyn Preer, despite being in love with a white woman.
Sidney Poitier
A revered, respected, and beloved actor, activist and philanthropist, Sidney Poitier made history in 1964 when he became the first Black actor and first Bahamian to win an Oscar for Best Actor. He won for his role in “Lillies of the Field.”
Julie Dash
Acclaimed director Julie Dash — who was a part of the L.A. Rebellion, the first group of African and African American students who studied film at UCLA —made history in 1991 with her beloved film, “Daughter of the Dust.” It became the first film directed by an African-American woman to be theatrically distributed in the U.S.
Ethel Waters
In 1962, jazz and blues singer Ethel Waters made history as the first Black women to ever be nominated for an Emmy. She also cemented her status as a history maker by becoming the first African-American to star in her own television show, ‘The Ethel Waters Show’, in 1939.
Black Panther Breaks the Box Office
On Feb. 16, 2018, Ryan Coogler, the late Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Danai Gurrera, Michael B. Jordan and Winston Duke all cemented their status in cinematic history by bringing Marvel’s “Black Panther” to life. The film raked in $1.3 billion in the box office, becoming the highest-grossing movie ever with a primarily Black cast. The film also scored Marvel its first ever Best Picture nomination at the Oscars and took home three wins.
Whoopi Goldberg Becomes the 1st Black EGOT-Winner
There’s not too many actors who can say they received an EGOT — Oscar, Tony, Grammy and Emmy — but in 2002, Whoopi Goldberg became the first Black person to achieve the highly regarded (and coveted) status.
Lauryn Hill Grammy Wins
At the 41st annual Grammy Awards in 1999, Lauryn Hill made history as the first rap artist to win Album of the Year. She also took home the most awards that night, raking in a grand total of five Grammys, the most wins for any woman artist in a single night. To this day, she remains as the only Black woman artist to win Album of the Year.
Michael Jackson’s Grammy Sweep
Sticking with the Grammys. in 1984, Michael Jackson’s reign as the King of Pop was further established when he took home eight Grammys including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Performance (Male), Best R&B Song, Best Vocal Performance and more.
Shonda Rhimes’ TGIT Television Reign
After being recognized as the creative force and writer of “Grey’s Anatomy,” Shonda Rhimes decided to go for a three-peat on Thursday nights for ABC when she introduced her second show, “Scandal,” and produced her third show “How to Get Away With Murder.”
Not only was this a major feat for a Black woman behind the camera but HTGAWM helped earn star Viola Davis a win as the first Black woman to receive an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. As for “Scandal” star Kerry Washington, she made history in 2013 as the first Black woman to receive the nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama series, though she didn’t take home the win.
Beyonce Making Grammys History
Just last year, in 2023, Beyonce made history as the most awarded artist ever at the Grammys. Thanks to her latest album, “Renaissance,” she now is the recipient of 32 Grammys — despite her never winning Album of the Year.”
Isabel Sanford Makes History at the Emmys
Back in 1981, “The Jeffersons” star Isabel Sanford made history as the first Black woman ever to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy series at thr Emmys.
Quinta Brunson Follows in Isabel Sanford’s Footsteps
Over 40 years after Isabel Sanford’s win, Quinta Brunson would follow in her footsteps as the second Black woman to take home a win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her hit ABC, workplace comedy “Abbott Elementary.”
Jackée Harry Paves Way for Emmy-Winning History
In 1987, Jackée Harry made history as the first Black woman to ever win the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role on “227.”
Sheryl Lee Ralph Makes Emmy History
35 years after Jackée’s win, Sheryl Lee Ralph made history as the second Black woman to win for Outstanding Supporting Actress at the Emmys for her role in “Abbott Elementary.”
Ayo Edebiri Follows in Jackée and Sheryl’s Footsteps
Nearly 40 years after Jackée Harry’s win and technically just one year after Sheryl Lee, “The Bear” star Ayo Edebiri would also take home the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She became only the third Black woman to receive that award.
Colman Domingo Makes Oscars History
Colman Domingo, who’s currently nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of queer civil rights icon Bayard Rustin, made Oscars history in 2024 with his nomination by becoming the first Afro-Latino to get nominated for Best Actor and the first openly gay performer to be nominated for playing a queer character.
Ava DuVernay Makes Oscars History
In 2015, Ava DuVernay became the first Black woman to have her film nominated at the Oscars. She was recognized for her important film, “Selma.”
Dorothy Dandridge
In 1954, Dorothy Dandridge become the first Black woman to be nominated in the Best Actress category art the 27th annual Oscars.
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