More than two decades after her historic Oscar win, Halle Berry is still waiting for another Black woman to join her in the Best Actress winners’ circle.
The celebrated actress, who made history in 2002 with her Academy Award-winning performance in Monster’s Ball, recently voiced her frustration over the glaring lack of diversity in Hollywood’s most prestigious category.
In a candid conversation on Trevor Noah’s What Now? podcast, Berry admitted she is “tired” of standing alone as the only Black woman to have won the award. “I want someone to stand next to me,” she emphasized, expressing her disappointment that, despite progress in the industry, no other Black actress has been able to break through and claim the honor.
Berry’s remarks shine a spotlight on the slow pace of change within the Academy. Since her win, six Black women—Viola Davis, Andra Day, Quvenzhané Wallis, Gabourey Sidibe, Ruth Negga, and Cynthia Erivo—have been nominated in the Best Actress category but left empty-handed. This year, Erivo stands as the sole Black contender for her upcoming role in Wicked, fueling hopes that Hollywood might finally be ready to make history again.
Reflecting on her groundbreaking moment, Berry acknowledged that her win was never just about her—it was about opening doors for future generations of Black actresses. “I believed it would be bigger than me,” she said. However, the lack of follow-up victories underscores the systemic barriers that continue to limit opportunities for Black women in leading roles.
Berry’s words serve as a powerful call to action, urging the film industry to not just celebrate diversity in conversations but to ensure it is reflected in the accolades that define Hollywood’s legacy. As awards season unfolds, many will be watching to see if change is finally on the horizon.
