Historic Moments at the Oscars

It's Oscar Time! 

In honor of the annual Academy Awards, I'd like for you all to check out these memorable Oscar moments......

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1956 Academy Awards--Best Actor in a Leading Role

Mr. Yul Brynner was the first actor of Asian descent to win (and be nominated for) the Best Actor award. He won for his role in The King and I.

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1955 Academy Awards--Film Editing

Here is Oscar-nominee Dorothy Dandridge presenting the Academy Award for Film Editing. Dorothy was the first black person (man or woman) to be nominated for a Leading role for her role in Carmen Jones.

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Cinematographer James Wong Howe

Mr. Howe was the first Asian person (man or woman) to be nominated for Cinematography. Mr. Howe was nominated for ten Academy Awards and won two--one for his work in The Rose Tattoo, the other for his work in Hud.

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1964 Academy Awards--Best Actor in a Leading Role

Sidney Poitier was the first black actor to win (and be nominated for) the Best Actor Academy Award. He was previously nominated for his role in The Defiant Ones and later won for his role in Lillies of the Field. 

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Actor James Baskett

In 1948, actor James Baskett was given an Honorary Academy Award for his characterization of 'Uncle Remus' in the Disney film Song of the South. This award made him the first black actor to receive an Academy Award.

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1962 Academy Awards--Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Rita Moreno was the first Latina to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She won for her role in West Side Story.

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1940 Academy Awards--Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Here is Hattie McDaniel receiving her Academy Award for her role as 'Mammy' in Gone with the Wind. This award made Ms. McDaniel the first black person (man or woman) to 1. be nominated for an Oscar and 2. win an Oscar and of course, it made her the first black actress to be nominated for and win Best Supporting Actress.

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Today, we salute and remember these legends.

Click the following links to see more historic Oscar nominations/wins:

Asian Academy Award winners and nominees

Black Academy Award winners and nominees

Latin American Academy Award winners and nominees