Who was the first African American to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, in 1954?
Dorothy Dandridge Dorothy Dandridge was the first black performer to be nominated in the best actress category for her performance in ‘Carmen Jones.’ She lost in 1954 to Grace Kelly. Even though Dandridge’s performance was much-heralded by critics, she was never given much chance of winning the Oscar because of her race. Some felt that her nomination was tantamount to victory. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_6_55/ai_61619022 There have been only seven African-American actresses nominated for Best Actress.
