Halle Berry Expresses Frustration Over Being the Only Black Woman to Win Best Actress Oscar
Halle Berry is still waiting for someone to join her in Oscar history. The actress made history in 2002 when she became the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Monster’s Ball. More than two decades later, Berry admits that being the only Black woman to ever win in this category feels “lonely.”
During an appearance on The Trevor Noah Podcast: What Now?, Berry shared that when she won, she knew the achievement was “bigger than me,” recognizing its significance for other women of color in Hollywood. However, she emphasized that she is tired of occupying the space alone.
“I hope this year, someone stands next to me. This year, I hope it happens. Because I’m tired of occupying that space alone,” she told Noah. “I hope this is the year.”
Berry’s remarks come at a time when there’s hope for a potential breakthrough, with Wicked star Cynthia Erivo standing a chance to become the next Black woman to win Best Actress since Berry.
Even if the change doesn’t come this year, Berry is at peace with her role in history. “I was chosen in that moment to be a beacon of possibility,” she explained. “And I do think it served that purpose.”
Her win remains one of the most iconic moments in Oscars history, and her acceptance speech from that night continues to resonate. She expressed gratitude for the trailblazing women before her, including Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, and Diahann Carroll, and acknowledged her peers such as Jada Pinkett, Angela Bassett, and Vivica Fox.
In the emotional speech, Berry also thanked her family, including her manager, her mother, her husband, and daughter India, for their unwavering support. “Thank you for giving me the strength to fight every single day to be who I want to be and to give me the courage to dream,” she said.
Berry’s victory was not just a personal achievement, but a historic moment for all women of color in the entertainment industry, and she continues to hope that one day, she won’t stand alone in that space.