And Hattie McDaniel's Oscar went to? 1940 prize, Howard U. play roles in mystery: ...The tribute renewed an old mystery: Where is McDaniel's own, historic Oscar?It belongs to Howard University's theater department, which has spent years trying to figure out what happened to the Oscar that disappeared decades ago -- though nobody knows exactly when.
'It's a never-ending mystery,' says Tom Gregory, a Hollywood memorabilia collector. 'Where is it? It's really an unbelievable story.'
McDaniel was named Best Supporting Actress in 1940 for playing the servant Mammy in 'Gone With the Wind,' a performance that earned praise even as McDaniel was criticized for perpetuating negative stereotypes.
When she died of breast cancer in 1952, McDaniel bequeathed her Oscar to Howard's drama department, which had honored the pioneering actress with a luncheon after her win. (McDaniel had no academic affiliation with the school.)
