2023-10-03 12:29:03

Hattie McDaniel Replacement Oscar Presented to Howard University
On October 1, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented a replacement Oscar plaque to Howard University's Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, honoring the late actress Hattie McDaniel. The original Oscar was awarded to McDaniel in 1940 for her groundbreaking supporting role in "Gone With the Wind." However, it mysteriously disappeared a decade later.

At the ceremony, named "Hattie's Come Home," various dignitaries paid tribute to McDaniel's life and legacy. Notable participants included Jacqueline Stewart, president of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, and Teni Melidonian, executive VP of Oscars strategy at AMPAS. Actor Phylicia Rashad, outgoing dean of the Boseman College of Fine Arts, also spoke, expressing her joy that the award has finally returned to Howard University, where it has long been cherished.

The event showcased clips of McDaniel's performances in "Gone With the Wind" and other films, as well as her acceptance speech at the 1940 Academy Awards. It shed light on the daily struggles of this talented entertainer, who appeared in over 300 films, many of which were uncredited. McDaniel is believed to be the first Black woman to sing on radio.


Howard University faculty members and others celebrate the presentation of McDaniel’s replacement Academy Award on Oct. 1. Front row from left: Jacqueline Stewart, Rhea Combs, Eleanor Traylor, Phylicia Rashad and AMPAS executive Teni Melidonian. Back row: Howard University professors Khalid Long and Greg Carr flank Kevin John Goff

Amanda Jones / ©Academy Museum Foundation
Another highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring filmmaker Kevin John Goff, McDaniel's great-grandnephew who works to preserve her legacy. Goff shared a poem titled "Black Not Accepted," which speaks about discrimination and pays tribute to McDaniel's perseverance in the face of adversity.
The panelists acknowledged the challenges McDaniel faced, both within the Black community and the motion picture industry. They recognized her determination to be a credit to her race and her contributions to the world of cinema.
The Academy stated that McDaniel's resilience throughout her life and career, especially in the face of racial segregation during her Academy Award win, is truly remarkable. They emphasized that her performances continue to captivate audiences and pave the way for future talents in the industry.
If you would like to know other articles similar to Howard University Receives Hattie McDaniel's Oscar as a Symbol of Progress and Legacy updated this year 2025 you can visit the category Entertainment news.
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