In August 2010 , Spencer joined Viola Davis , Emma Stone and Bryce Dallas Howard in '' The Help , '' an adaptation of the novel . She played the feisty and unflappable Minny Jackson . The film was written , produced and directed by Tate Taylor , and produced by Brunson Green , Chris Columbus , Michael Barnathan , and Mark Radcliffe . She won the 2012 Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture for her work in '' The Help . '' On February 12 , 2012 , Spencer won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress for her Performance in '' The Help '' , and on February 26 she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the same performance ; it was her first Oscar nomination and first win . Spencer was given a standing ovation at the ceremony , and was moved to tears during her acceptance speech . In June 2012 , Spencer was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
2012 Golden Globe Award
69th Golden Globe Awards
Octavia Spencer