Latest news with #HattieMcDaniel
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Oscar speeches that won hearts and how: When winners made history with their words
For many actors, winning an Oscar is the dream. But in some cases, the acceptance speech becomes the real legacy — a moment when a personal triumph transforms into a message for millions. These powerful speeches were not just thank-yous; they were statements that changed the conversation, offered hope, and left a permanent mark on Hollywood's history. 1. Frances McDormand – Championing Women in Film (2018) Category: Best Actress Film: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Frances McDormand's third Oscar win wasn't just a career high — it became a rallying cry. As she stood on stage, she didn't focus on herself but on the many women around her. She urged all female nominees in every category to rise, turning the camera to faces often left in the background. She called upon Meryl Streep , a symbol of industry respect, to lead the way. Then came her now-famous mic-drop moment: 'I have two words to leave with you tonight: inclusion rider.' That phrase sparked a movement in Hollywood to demand diversity clauses in contracts, ensuring equity behind and in front of the camera. McDormand's speech wasn't emotional — it was revolutionary. 2. Hattie McDaniel – A Win Against the Odds (1940) Category: Best Supporting Actress Film: Gone With the Wind In a deeply segregated America, Hattie McDaniel's win was groundbreaking — and painful. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Investigadora argentina revela hallazgos sobre el magnesio Salud Esencial Leer más Undo The first Black actor to receive an Oscar wasn't even allowed to sit with her white co-stars. She was escorted to the ceremony and seated at a separate table. Despite this injustice, McDaniel approached the stage with grace. 'I sincerely hope I shall always be a credit to my race and to the motion picture industry.' Her words were filled with quiet dignity, masking the weight of systemic racism she faced every day. She accepted her Oscar not just for herself, but for generations to come. 3. Lupita Nyong'o – A Dream Realized (2014) Category: Best Supporting Actress Film: 12 Years a Slave Lupita Nyong'o's breakthrough performance earned her global acclaim — but her acceptance speech is what made her unforgettable. With poise and sincerity, she thanked her co-stars, her family, and her director, then offered a message that instantly became iconic: 'No matter where you are from, your dreams are valid.' Born in Mexico and raised in Kenya, Lupita's success was not typical by Hollywood standards. Her speech celebrated diversity and showed aspiring artists around the world that anything was possible. 4. Ariana DeBose – Pride and Representation (2022) Category: Best Supporting Actress Film: West Side Story Ariana DeBose used her moment to celebrate something bigger than herself — identity. As an openly queer Afro-Latina woman, her win marked a turning point for inclusivity in mainstream cinema. 'You see an openly queer woman of color, an Afro-Latina, who found her strength in life through art.' She reflected on her childhood, sitting in the back of a white Ford, and asked audiences to look into the eyes of that young girl and recognize the power of possibility. Her words were an emotional nod to those still seeking acceptance. 5. Ke Huy Quan – From Refugee to Oscar Winner (2023) Category: Best Supporting Actor Film: Everything Everywhere All At Once Ke Huy Quan's return to the big screen was one of the most moving comeback stories in recent Oscar history. A former child star of Indiana Jones and The Goonies, he had faded from the limelight for decades. But his win wasn't just about redemption — it was about resilience. 'My mom is 84 years old and she's at home watching. Mom, I just won an Oscar!' He spoke of arriving in America as a refugee and finding himself years later on Hollywood's biggest stage. His closing line, 'This is the American dream,' echoed far beyond the Dolby Theatre. 6. Halle Berry – A Milestone for Black Women (2002) Category: Best Actress Film: Monster's Ball In 2002, Halle Berry became the first — and still only — Black woman to win the Best Actress Oscar. Overwhelmed by emotion, her speech acknowledged the historical weight of her win: 'This moment is so much bigger than me.' She dedicated the award to women of color who were never given the opportunity, calling it a door opening moment. Two decades later, her win still serves as a benchmark for representation in Hollywood's highest echelon. 7. Brendan Fraser – Gratitude After the Fall (2023) Category: Best Actor Film: The Whale Fraser's acceptance was more than a win — it was a homecoming. After years of personal and professional hardship, The Whale marked his return to critical acclaim. On stage, Fraser fought back tears as he acknowledged the emotional depth the role required. 'Things didn't come easily to me... I just want to say thank you for this acknowledgement.' His gratitude extended to his cast and crew, praising them for laying their 'whale-sized hearts bare.' It was a humble, heartfelt speech that touched many who had followed his journey. 8. Bonus: Viola Davis – Honoring Roots and Resilience (2017) Category: Best Supporting Actress Film: Fences Viola Davis brought her trademark intensity to the stage, offering one of the night's most poignant moments. Reflecting on her upbringing and her family's sacrifices, she thanked her husband and daughter, calling them the foundation of her life. 'You know, there's one place that all the people with the greatest potential are gathered — and that's the graveyard.' Her speech emphasized the power of telling stories that honor the unsung and the unseen — the ordinary lives that make extraordinary art. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Pink Villa
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
From Lupita Nyong'o to Ke Huy Quan, Here's List of 7 Most Iconic Oscars Speeches of All Time
Winning an Oscar is the ultimate dream for many artists, who strive not only to please the audience with their performances but also to work hard to earn an Academy Award or a nomination. While some may still have that dream, many have already achieved it and experienced what it felt like to get on the stage and receive that trophy. This feeling has often been reflected in the speeches that they have delivered after winning the Academy Awards. These acceptance speeches have been nothing less than inspiring. If you want a dose of motivation, here's a list of the 7 most iconic Oscar speeches. 1. Frances McDormand, Best Actress, 2018 Film: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Award: Best Actress The veteran star made a powerful speech when she went on stage to accept the Oscar. After thanking her husband, Joel Cohen, and their son, Pedro, along with her co-stars of Three Billboards. The actress also asked all the female nominees who were nominated to stand with her that night. She urged Meryl Streep, who was sitting in the front row, to do it so everyone else would follow. She asked the men in the room to meet with all the women who stood and lend an ear to their career ambitions. She also mentioned, 'I have two words to leave with you tonight, ladies and gentlemen: INCLUSION RIDER." 2. Hattie McDaniel, Best Supporting Actress, 1940 Film: Gone With the Wind Awards: Best Supporting Actress Hattie McDaniel made history by becoming the first African American to ever win an Oscar in 1940. She was reportedly not permitted to be a part of the ceremony, but the film producer, David O. Selznick, asked the then segregated Ambassador Hotel for permission to let McDaniel in. She was given a separate table, away from her co-actors. But this did not stop her from giving a moving speech after she won. McDaniel stated, 'It has made me feel very, very humble, and I shall always hold it as a beacon for anything I may be able to do in the future,' adding, 'I sincerely hope I shall always be a credit to my race and to the motion picture industry.' 3. Lupita Nyong'o, Best Supporting Actress, 2014 Film: 12 Years a Slave Award: Best Supporting Actress Lupita 's Oscar speech not only made her emotional but also everyone watching her win the Oscar. She thanked her 12 Years a Slave co-stars, mentioning her best friend and her brother in the speech. Igniting that ray of hope, Lupita made a powerful statement: 'May this remind you that no matter where you are from, your dreams are valid.' Apart from her speech, she also received immense love for the angelic gown she wore, which was by Prada. 4. Ariana DeBose, Best Supporting Actress, 2022 Film: West Side Story Award: Best Supporting Actress Ariana DeBose truly took it upon herself to inspire others with her win, and she was successful with that. The actress embraced being an openly queer woman of color and made sure to tell the crowd that there was 'indeed' a place for them. She went back in time and recalled being a child, sitting in the backseat of a white Ford, adding, 'Look into her eyes.' She further stated, 'You see an openly queer woman of color, an Afro-Latina, who found her strength in life through art. And that is, I think, what we're here to celebrate.' 5. Ke Huy Quan, Best Supporting Actor, 2023 Film: Everything Everywhere All At Once Award: Best Supporting Actor Is there anything more iconic than Ke Huy Quan himself? Yes, the Oscar speech that he gave right after winning Best Supporting Actor for the hit film Everything Everywhere All at Once in 2023. It is a fact that the majority of people thank their God or their mother while accepting the honor, but what sets Quan apart was the way he said, 'My mom is 84 years old and she's at home watching. Mom, I just want an Oscar.' The actor mentioned that he started his journey on a boat and somehow he ended up on 'Hollywood's biggest stage.' He added, 'They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe it's happening to me. This is the American Dream.' 6. Halle Berry, Best Actress, 2002 Film: Monster's Ball Awards: Best Actress When Halle Berry won this prestigious honor back in 2002, she not only created a historic moment by becoming the first Black woman to win the Best Actress honor but also delivered one of the most iconic Oscar speeches of all time. Clearly emotional, Berry stated that the moment was a lot 'bigger' than her. The veteran actress added, 'It's for every faceless, nameless woman of color who now has the chance because this door tonight has been opened.' 7. Brendan Fraser, Best Actor, 2023 Film: The Whale Awards: Best Actor This is by far one of the most emotional moments, not just for Brendan Fraser, but for many of his fans who missed his screen presence until he made a grand comeback by starring in The Whale. As the actor got tears in his eyes, he told the people who worked in the abovementioned movie with him that they 'laid your whale-sized hearts bare so we could see into your souls like no one else.' He also noted, 'Things, they didn't come easily to me... I just want to say thank you for this acknowledgement.' Bonus: Viola Davis, Best Supporting Actress, 2017 Film: Fences Award: Best Supporting Actress Viola Davis has proven to us time and again that she is one of the greatest living actresses of our time. Her performances in various projects are a testament to that. But it's not just her acting but also the statements she makes that make her iconic, and her Oscars speech also falls in the same category. After winning the Best Supporting Actress award for Fences, she was not afraid to showcase her emotional and vulnerable side while reflecting on the impact that her parents had on her life and her professional front. She paid tribute to her husband and their family. Davis stated, 'I'm so glad you are the foundation of my life.'
USA Today
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Oscars nominated their first openly trans performer. What would her win mean?
Oscars nominated their first openly trans performer. What would her win mean? | Opinion Hattie McDaniel's best supporting actress victory for 'Gone With the Wind' was greeted with a similar range of controversy, debate and condemnation. Show Caption Hide Caption Oscar snubs: Selena Gomez, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie and more Nominations for the 97th Academy Awards are out. There are a number of notable names that did not make the final cut. With the announcement of the 97th Academy Awards nominations, one selection has proved to be the most historic – and controversial. Celebrated for her work in 'Emilia Pérez,' Karla Sofia Gascón became the first openly transgender performer nominated for best actress. The nomination represents a breakthrough for trans stories at the Academy Awards. 'Today, it is proven that art does not understand hate," Gascón told The Hollywood Reporter. "No one can question my work, even less the fact that I am an actress. An actress who deserves to be recognized solely and exclusively for her sublime performance.' Yet, the film has also faced a wave of backlash, with GLAAD, an LGBTQ advocacy group, calling the film a 'profoundly retrograde portrayal of a trans woman' and 'a step backward for trans representation.' Critics argue that the film relies on trans stereotypes, neglecting meaningful character development and the deeper motivations for Gascón's titular Pérez. Few of these criticisms have been lobbied at Gascón herself. Rather, the concerns have been over her part and the role she was asked to play for the production. This centers on a critical debate: At the Oscars, are we celebrating the part or the person? This is not a new conversation but the latest chapter in a long history of breaking barriers at the Academy Awards. What it means to be 'first' In 1940, Hattie McDaniel's best supporting actress victory for 'Gone With the Wind' was greeted with a similar range of controversy, debate and condemnation. The film, lauded for its epic scope but criticized for romanticizing the South and its portrayal of slavery, featured McDaniel as "Mammy," Scarlett O'Hara's enslaved servant. Despite the role's racist stereotypes, many Black writers of the time praised McDaniel's emotional depth in the performance. Yet, a vocal contingent also feared the award could gloss over the realities of the Jim Crow South and continue to perpetuate stereotypes. Lillian Johnson, a columnist for the Afro-American newspaper, denounced the victory and said, 'Miss McDaniel has won next to the highest award that the motion picture industry can grant, it is of no importance that she was such a good Mammy that she is now 1939's finest actress.' Johnson particularly focused on how the win was described as an act of tolerance in many mainstream newspapers. Opinion: The Grammys are notoriously bad. Here's how to make the show less terrible. For the columnist, the moment wasn't about who won the award but what they were winning for. 'It is one thing to contend for a right and win it when only the right is at stake,' she said, noting the award's significance to her community. Ultimately, as Johnson feared, McDaniel's 'first' failed to translate into broader reform. In 1947, James Baskett became the second Black Oscar winner, receiving an honorary award for Disney's 'Song of the South,' another film criticized for emboldening racist tropes. Trans representation at the Oscars Gascón's nomination should also be contextualized within the legacy of trans depictions at the ceremony. Nine cisgender actors have been nominated for playing transgender characters, including Chris Sarandon in 'Dog Day Afternoon' from 1975; Hilary Swank in 'Boys Don't Cry' from 1999; Jared Leto in 'Dallas Buyers Club' from 2013; and, most recently, Eddie Redmayne in 'The Danish Girl' from 2015. Swank and Leto both took home Oscars. Jaye Davidson's nomination for best supporting actor in 1993 for 'The Crying Game' was perhaps the most contentious. Davison's character 'passes' as female for most of the movie until a notorious full-frontal nude reveal, described as the film's shocking twist. 'The Crying Game' was Davidson's first movie performance, and his status as an unknown further perpetuated speculation about his identity. Writers asked whether Davidson would 'dress in drag' when he attended the ceremony. Opinion: Snoop Dogg went back on his word with Trump performance. He deserves the backlash. Throughout the award season, much of the discourse misconstrued being gay and effeminate as identical to being trans. During the Oscar ceremony, presenter Mercedes Ruehl joked: 'In this year of women in film, I am here to present an award for a category in which women have traditionally found it difficult to gain a toehold ‒ best supporting actor.' Even when giving nuanced performances, trans portrayals were pushed for shock value and greeted as comedic. In this respect, there has been consistent progress. More recent nominations from films like 'Dallas Buyers Club' and 'The Danish Girl,' both directed by cisgender men, have focused on more sympathetic portrayals of the trans experience. Yet, there have been growing calls for more opportunities to allow transgender actors to perform their own experiences on screen. The issue extends to behind the camera, begging the question: What if people from within these communities could just tell their own stories? 'Emilia Pérez' and representation today Gascón's nomination comes 10 years since #OscarsSoWhite called attention to the legacy of racial exclusion at the ceremony. The movement's principles have also been applied to discussions about gender, women behind the camera and opportunities for trans and nonbinary performers. In the lead actress category, there have been several significant firsts, including Michelle Yeoh ('Everything Everywhere All at Once'), the first Asian woman to win best actress, and Lily Gladstone ('Killers of the Flower Moon'), the first Indigenous American woman to receive a nomination. For her part, this year Gascón has urged Oscar voters to focus solely on the merit of her performance rather than its historic nature. Yet, her nomination also places her at the forefront of a long history of trans portrayals at the Oscars and a controversy about 'Emilia Pérez' itself. Simply put, it cannot be viewed alone. Though these are not new conversations, as we see more representation at the ceremony, questions remain about the roles offered to performers and a desire for the next wave of Hollywood introspection. It remains to be seen whether Gascón and 'Emilia Pérez' will be triumphant at the ceremony, but what would it mean? Monica R. Sandler is an assistant teaching professor in the Department of Media at Ball State University. Her research examines the history of the Academy Awards and the movie awards season. This column originally appeared in the Indianapolis Star.
Express Tribune
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
A List of Oscar-Winning Films That Are Considered Problematic Today
Winning an Oscar is considered the highest achievement in cinema, but not all winners stand the test of time. Some films, once celebrated, now carry an uncomfortable weight due to their outdated themes, problematic portrayals, or revelations about the filmmakers behind them. What was once deemed revolutionary or even progressive at the time can now seem tone-deaf, racist, sexist, or just plain wrong. With the 2025 Oscars around the corner, it's worth revisiting some of the Academy's past Best Picture winners that have aged… well, let's just say not like fine wine. Some of these films sparked controversy from the start, while others only faced backlash years later, as societal norms and cultural awareness evolved. Here are 11 Oscar-winning films that, for one reason or another, don't quite sit right today. 1. Gone With the Wind, 1940 Few films have shaped Hollywood like Gone With the Wind, a cinematic giant that won 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. However, while the film was praised for its scale and storytelling, it also romanticized the antebellum South and perpetuated racial stereotypes. Hattie McDaniel became the first Black actor to win an Oscar for her role as Mammy, but her treatment at the ceremony was anything but celebratory—she was forced to sit at a segregated table. Even in the 1930s, protests emerged against the film's racist undertones, and its portrayal of slavery has only become more problematic with time. Calls to 're-examine' Gone With the Wind resurfaced in 2020, leading streaming platforms to add disclaimers about its content. 2. Annie Hall, 1978 Annie Hall is widely regarded as one of the best romantic comedies of all time, winning four Oscars, including Best Picture. But in light of sexual assault allegations against director Woody Allen—brought forward by his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow—the film carries a different weight today. Allen's recurring theme of older men pursuing much younger women (often played by himself) was already unsettling, but the allegations make it even harder to watch. Hollywood stars like Timothée Chalamet and Selena Gomez have since distanced themselves from Allen, with some donating their salaries from his films to charity. 3. Driving Miss Daisy, 1990 When Driving Miss Daisy won Best Picture, it was seen as a warm-hearted, progressive story about racial reconciliation. But over time, critics—and even lead actor Morgan Freeman—have pointed out its flaws. The film follows the friendship between an elderly white woman and her Black chauffeur, played by Freeman. However, it has been criticized for oversimplifying racism, presenting a patronizing 'white savior' narrative, and glossing over systemic discrimination. Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing, which tackled racism more head-on, wasn't even nominated that year, highlighting Hollywood's preference for palatable over powerful. 4. The Silence of the Lambs, 1992 There's no denying that The Silence of the Lambs is an iconic thriller, but its portrayal of Buffalo Bill has long been a point of contention. The serial killer's obsession with wearing women's skin led to protests from LGBTQ+ activists, who argued that the film reinforced harmful transphobic stereotypes. Director Jonathan Demme later apologized, stating that Bill was never intended to be portrayed as transgender. However, intent doesn't always match perception, and for many, the damage was already done. 5. Forrest Gump, 1995 Tom Hanks' lovable Forrest charmed audiences, but Forrest Gump has faced criticism for oversimplifying history and reinforcing conservative ideals. The film portrays Jenny—Forrest's love interest—as a tragic figure whose journey through counterculture, feminism, and activism leads to self-destruction, whereas Forrest's apolitical, obedient nature is rewarded. The story also largely ignores the real struggles of Vietnam War veterans and people with disabilities. 6. Braveheart, 1996 Mel Gibson's Braveheart was a crowd-pleaser, but historians were quick to call out its wildly inaccurate portrayal of Scottish history. That's not the only reason it's aged poorly—Gibson himself has been repeatedly accused of racism, anti-Semitism, and misogyny. His troubling remarks and behavior over the years cast a shadow over his Oscar-winning work, making it difficult to separate the art from the artist. 7. American Beauty, 1999 American Beauty was hailed as a masterpiece when it won Best Picture, but its central storyline—about a middle-aged man lusting after his teenage daughter's best friend—feels deeply uncomfortable today. Kevin Spacey's real-life sexual misconduct allegations only add another layer of unease to the film, making it one of the most troubling Oscar winners in hindsight. 8. The Pianist, 2003 Roman Polanski's Holocaust drama The Pianist is a powerful film, but its Oscar win is controversial because Polanski himself is a fugitive from the U.S. justice system. Having pled guilty to the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in 1977, Polanski fled the country and has lived in exile ever since. Yet, Hollywood continues to celebrate his work—though he was finally expelled from the Academy in 2018. 9. Crash, 2005 Crash winning Best Picture over Brokeback Mountain remains one of the most debated moments in Oscar history. The film, which aimed to tackle racism, has been widely criticized for its oversimplified, heavy-handed approach to race relations. Even its director, Paul Haggis, has admitted it didn't deserve to win. 10. Dallas Buyers Club, 2013 Jared Leto won an Oscar for playing a trans woman in Dallas Buyers Club, but critics argue that an actual trans actress should have been cast in the role. Beyond casting issues, the film also falls into harmful tropes, portraying Leto's character primarily as a plot device to make the straight, cisgender protagonist (played by Matthew McConaughey) look better. 11. Green Book, 2019 Green Book took home Best Picture, but many saw it as yet another film that presented racism through the lens of a white protagonist. Don Shirley's family condemned the film's depiction of him, and director Spike Lee famously tried to walk out of the ceremony in protest. The Oscars have long been Hollywood's biggest night, but looking back, it's clear that some past winners haven't aged well.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Honoring Black History: Hattie McDaniel
WJBF – Did you know that Hattie McDaniel was the first African-American performer to win an Oscar? WJBF NewsChannel 6 presents Honoring Black History Hattie McDaniel won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Gone With The Wind in 1939. There would not be another Black woman to win in this category until Whoopi Goldberg, who won in 1990 for her performance in Ghost. Honoring Black History: Robert Johnson WJBF News Channel 6 is Honoring Black History because Black history is America's history. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
