The Californian Century

A Hard Won Oscar


Listen Later

Stanley Tucci tells the story of Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to win an Oscar in 1940.

McDaniel won the Oscar for best supporting actress for her role as Mammy in Gone With The Wind. But the hotel where the awards were being held almost barred her from attending the ceremony.

Her victory wasn't universally celebrated by African Americans either. She was heavily criticised by civil rights groups for playing a role that perpetuated stereotypes and romanticised slavery.

But in those days, you played by Hollywood's rules, or you didn't play at all.

Producer: Laurence Grissell

Academic Consultant: Dr Ian Scott, University of Manchester

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Californian CenturyBy BBC Radio 4

  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5

4.5

222 ratings


More shows like The Californian Century

View all
Global News Podcast by BBC World Service

Global News Podcast

7,731 Listeners

Newshour by BBC World Service

Newshour

1,057 Listeners

In Our Time by BBC Radio 4

In Our Time

5,535 Listeners

The Documentary Podcast by BBC World Service

The Documentary Podcast

1,795 Listeners

6 Minute English by BBC Radio

6 Minute English

1,827 Listeners

Learning English Conversations by BBC Radio

Learning English Conversations

1,084 Listeners

The Infinite Monkey Cage by BBC Radio 4

The Infinite Monkey Cage

1,960 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

113,035 Listeners

13 Minutes Presents: Artemis II by BBC World Service

13 Minutes Presents: Artemis II

4,168 Listeners

You're Dead to Me by BBC Radio 4

You're Dead to Me

3,220 Listeners

Americast by BBC News

Americast

760 Listeners

The Plot Thickens by TCM

The Plot Thickens

5,343 Listeners

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart by Comedy Central

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

10,897 Listeners