Halle Berry, the first—and still the only—Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, is opening up about a hard truth behind one of Hollywood’s most historic moments. More than two decades after her 2002 Oscar win, Berry says the milestone didn’t change her career in the way many people assume.
In a candid interview with The Cut timed to the release of her upcoming film Crime 101, Berry reflected on her Oscar-winning performance in Monster’s Ball, directed by Lee Daniels and co-starring Billy Bob Thornton and Heath Ledger. While the moment itself was deeply meaningful, Berry admitted she had unrealistic expectations about what would follow. She said she imagined scripts pouring in immediately, joking that she thought a truck full of offers would be waiting outside her house the next day.
Instead, Berry said reality hit fast. She explained that despite the Oscar, she was still a Black woman navigating an industry filled with hesitation and coded conversations. She recalled how decision-makers continued to overanalyze what casting a Black woman meant for a film’s identity, questioning whether it would automatically require a Black male lead, be labeled a “Black movie,” or struggle internationally at the box office.
Berry also revealed that she’s shared this hard-earned perspective with fellow actress Cynthia Erivo, who has earned three Oscar nominations. While encouraging Erivo to embrace the recognition, Berry cautioned her not to expect awards alone to transform her career or serve as the ultimate validation of her talent.
Her comments echo similar frustrations voiced by Lupita Nyong’o, who last year spoke openly about the limited opportunities she received after winning her own Oscar for 12 Years a Slave. Nyong’o said that instead of a wave of diverse leading roles, she was repeatedly offered similarly narrow parts, often tied to the same themes that had defined her breakthrough performance.
Outside of acting, Berry remains outspoken and active. Alongside Crime 101, she has drawn attention for a public clash with California Governor Gavin Newsom following his veto of a menopause-related bill. The issue is personal for Berry, who founded menopause wellness and advocacy company Respin in 2020 and expanded it last year as part of her mission to push conversations Hollywood has long avoided.
Years after making history, Berry’s message is clear: awards may shine brightly, but they don’t automatically dismantle the deeper barriers still embedded in the industry.
