Halle Berry (Transcending Race)

On March 24, 2002, Halle Berry made history. She became the first African American to win an Academy Award for Best Actress in a leading role. Halle's Oscar came for her work in Monster's Ball, in which she portrayed Leticia Musgrove, a tough yet vulnerable waitress who becomes involved in an interracial affair. Initially, the film's producer had balked at casting Halle in the role of Leticia. He believed she was too beautiful for the part.