The first African American woman to win an Academy Award is Hattie McDaniel. She achieved this milestone for her role as Mammy in the film "Gone with the Wind" (1939). Despite facing significant racial discrimination in Hollywood, McDaniel's talent and charm allowed her to break barriers in an industry where opportunities for African Americans were scarce. Her win was historic and paved the way for future generations of black actresses, though it also highlighted the ongoing struggle for representation in film.