The first woman of color to win a major film award was Hattie McDaniel, who received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1940 for her role in "Gone with the Wind." This historic win marked a significant milestone in Hollywood and opened doors for future generations of actors from diverse backgrounds. Despite facing racial barriers and discrimination, McDaniel's achievement highlighted the underrepresentation of people of color in the film industry. Her legacy remains crucial in conversations about equity and representation in cinema.