Dorothy Dandridge

Black American Firsts in Film and Theatre (70 person items)

"The “black Marilyn Monroe” became famous in 1954, in the title-role of Carmen Jones, Hollywood adaptation from Georges Bizet’s opera made only with black actors. Dandridge was the first black actress to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, but lost to Grace Kelly. She was also the first black woman to appear on a Life magazine cover. In 1960 she won the Golden Globe for the musical Porgy and Bess."

Notable African Americans who helped pave the way (64 person items)

"Halle Berry might have been the first Black woman to win an Oscar for best actress, but she was following in the footsteps of her idol, Dorothy Dandridge. In 1954, Dorothy became the first Black woman to ever be nominated for a best actress Academy Award (for her performance in "Carmen Jones")."