List of black actors and actresses who have won oscars. Second black actor born in africa specifically in somalia to receive an academy award nomination. Second black actor to receive an academy award nomination for a debut performance. The 14 black actors who have won academy awards oscars 1939 hattie mcdaniel for gone with the wind best supporting actress 1963 sidney poitier for lilies of the field best actor 1982 louis gossett jr. The academy of motion picture arts and sciences has given academy awards to actors and actresses for their performances in films since its inception. Throughout the history of the academy awards there have been actors and actresses who have received multiple academy awards for best actor best actress best supporting actor or best supporting actress. In 2019 regina king was added to this list of black oscars winners. This is a list of winners of the academy award for performance by an actress in a leading role presented annually by the academy of motion picture arts and sciences ampas to an actress who has delivered an outstanding performance while working within the film industry more popularly known as the academy award or the oscar for best actress this award was initially presented at the 1st. In the academy s history only 39 oscars have been given to black actors and actresses. For an officer and a gentlemen best supporting actor 1989 denzel washington for glory.