Mo'Nique's gown tribute to Oscars history maker McDaniel

Oscar winner Mo'nique had a very special reason for wearing a blue gown to the Academy Awards on Sunday night (07Mar10) - actress Hattie McDaniel wore the same-coloured dress to the 1940 event, when she became the first African-American to win gold.

Mo'Nique, who took home the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as a cruel mum in Precious, paid tribute to the Gone With The Wind star during her acceptance speech, and told reporters backstage at the Kodak Theatre she put a lot of thought into what she wore for her big night.

She said, "The reason why I have on this royal blue dress is because it's the colour that Hattie McDaniel wore in 1940 when she accepted her Oscar.

"The reason why I have this gardenia in my hair (is) it is the flower that Hattie McDaniel wore when she accepted her Oscar. So, for you, Ms. Hattie McDaniel, I feel you all over me, and it's about time that the world feels you all over them."

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