Halle Berry, Best Actress, Monster’s Ball (2001)
In 2002, an emotional
Halle Berry took home the Academy Award for her heart-wrenching performance in the gritty drama
Monster’s Ball. Berry became the first and, to date, the only black female to win the top acting prize. Choking on tears, Berry dedicated the award to “every nameless, faceless woman of color that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened.” With Denzel Washington receiving the trophy for Best Actor, 2002 was truly a milestone for black Hollywood.
[Halle Berry, Photo via]