Halle Berry, who celebrates her 54th birthday today, became the first African American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. | Biography

Halle Berry couldn't speak for 30 seconds after being named Best Actress for Monster's Ball at the 74th Academy Awards on March 24, 2002. She sobbed through the standing ovation. When she reached the microphone, she dedicated the award to Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, and Diahann Carroll. She remains the only Black woman to win Best Actress. Over 20 years. Still the only one. Berry's speech ran four minutes and is the most emotionally raw acceptance in Oscar history. She named the women who sho