Actress Halle Berry remains disappointed by the lack of progress in recognizing Black female performers with Academy Awards. In a recent interview, Berry expressed ongoing frustration that no other Black woman has received the Oscar for Best Actress since she made history with the honor in 2002.
The Oscar-winning star said she feels “eternally miffed” and “continually saddened” that her win for “Monster’s Ball” stands alone as the only time a Black woman earned the award in the category’s nearly 100-year history. Berry said there have been many deserving Black actresses in the past two decades who were passed over by the Academy, including Andra Day and Viola Davis.
Berry was reflecting on diversity challenges in Hollywood brought to light by the #OscarsSoWhite movement of 2016. The 58-year-old recalled that when she received her historic Oscar, “I really thought it meant something, but I think it meant nothing.” Berry said feeling “profoundly hurt” and “saddened” that so little progress had been made.
However, Berry is working to enact change from behind the scenes. She now produces films in addition to her acting to create more roles for people of color. “I want to start making more opportunities for people of color,” Berry said. She also talks regularly with Academy members about diversifying their ranks.
As calls continue for greater inclusion in the film industry, Berry serves as a leading voice on the issue. While progress has occurred with the one Asian woman winning Best Actress, the lack of additional Black recipients endures as a concern. Berry’s advocacy highlights the work still left to make the Oscars truly representative of the diverse artistry of movies.
