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Black people have broken barriers in the entertainment industry.
From a time when Black roles were portrayed by white actors to today, where Black moguls own production companies and lead major films, Black entertainers have overcome countless obstacles to carve out space in film, television, and Broadway.
In honor of Black History Month, we recognize the history-makers who paved the way for future generations.
Keep scrolling to learn about the Black stars who have made their mark in the entertainment industry.
Oprah Winfrey
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Oprah Winfrey was the first Black woman to own her own production company (Harpo Productions).
Hattie McDaniel
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Hattie McDaniel was the first African-American to win an Academy Award for her supporting role in Gone with the Wind.
Halle Berry
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In 2002, Halle Berry became the first Black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress for her work in Monster's Ball.
Laverne Cox
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Laverne Cox made television history in 2014 when she became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.
Cecily Tyson
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In the 1960s, Cecily Tyson became the first Black person to star in a primetime drama for her role in the series East Side/West Side.
Ethel Waters
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Ethel Waters was the first Black woman to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy.
Whoopi Goldberg
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In 2000, Whoopie Goldberg won a Tony Award for Thoroughly Modern Millie, becomg the first Black EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) recipient.
Gail Fisher
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Fisher was the first Black actress to win a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy in the supporting category.
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