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Academy Awards |
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There were two other actors who received Academy Awards before Sidney Poitier, Hattie McDaniels and James Baskett.(1)
Hattie McDaniels (1895-1952) is the first African American to receive an academy award. Miss Daniels received her award for Best Supporting Actress in the movie, Gone With The Wind during 1939. Even though she was an honoree, Hattie McDaniels had to receive her award back stage.(1) |
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Louise Beavers as a mammy, a role that Hattie McDaniels won the award for.
Belle Starr (1941)
Twentieth Centur-Fox film
Courtsey of Colored Reflections |
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"I'd rather make $700 a week playing a maid than earn $7 a day being a maid."
Hattie McDaniels regarding her acting roles |
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James Baskett (1904-1948) received an Academy Award for his part in Song Of The South during 1947. He became the second African American to receive an Academy Award. Due to the practice of Jim Crow laws, Jim Baskett was unable book a room in Atlanta where the premire was held that year.(1) This resulted in his unattendence to the show.
He is the first live actor to be hired by Walt Disney for a part in a film. James's unique voice allowed him the oppotunity to receive several parts: the butterfly, Brer Fox and Uncle Remus.(2) |
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"For his able and heart-warming characterization of Uncle Remus, friend and story teller to the children of the world, in Walt Disney's Song of the South."
Walt Disney of James Baskett talent
Courtsey of Disney |
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Bill Robinson in the Little Colonel (1935)
Courtsey of Colored Reflections
James Baskett joined Bill (Bojangles) Robinson's company during the 40s. |
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1. Dancier, Tallulah. Black Hollywood. Colored Reflections. <http://classicfilm.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.coloredreflections.com/decades>
2. James Baskett biography. Song of the South.net <http://www.songofthesouth.net/movie/biographies/baskett.html> |
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