At the 12th Academy Awards, Hattie McDaniel's win for Best Supporting Actress marked a significant moment in film history, as she became the first African American to receive an Academy Award. McDaniel played the role of Mammy, a loyal slave, in the epic film 'Gone with the Wind,' which was released in 1939 and became an instant classic. The ceremony took place on February 29, 1940, at the Cocoanut Grove of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Despite the acclaim for her performance, McDaniel's success was set against the backdrop of systemic racism and segregation prevalent in the United States during that era. She was not allowed to sit at the same table as her white co-stars during the ceremony, illustrating the racial divides of the time. McDaniel fully embraced her role, bringing depth and humanity to a character that was often relegated to stereotypes. In her acceptance speech, she expressed her gratitude and hope that her award would help pave the way for future generations of African Americans in Hollywood. The moment sparked discussions about race in film and the representation of African Americans in a predominantly white industry.