The
glass ceiling has been shattered. The door has been fiercely
kicked open. With the sweeping and long deserving victory of what
many refer to as Black Hollywood at last nights
74th annual Oscar Awards, a landmark of success has been made upon
both those within the entertainment business, as well as those of
us regular folks who just enjoy catching a good flick every now
and then.
As
if you didnt know already, Halle Berry and Denzel Washington
took home two of the highest accolades at the renowned Oscar Awards
in Hollywood, California last night. Sunday, March 24, 2002:
mark it down in your calenders to brag to your children, kids;
historys been made.
Halle
was honored as best actress for her starring role in the emotionally
charging "Monsters Ball" as Denzel Washington took home
the golden Oscar for best actor in light of his performance as a
corrupt cop in Training Day."
Both
honors received full respect and admiration; however Halle is truly
a pioneer in her category. For all of its 74 years that the Oscar
Awards ceremony has existed, the honorary title and award of best
actress has never been given to an African-American. Berry,
who won the award over Nicole Kidman and Dame Judi Dench, fought
through tears of disbelief and utter happiness throughout half of
her acceptance speech. This moment...is so much bigger...than
me. she began through dramatic gasps of air. This
moment is for Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll. It's
for the women who stand beside me...Jada Pinkett, Angela Bassett,
Vivica Fox...and it's for every nameless, faceless woman of color
that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened....Tonight
the glass ceiling was broken and I hope that this ceiling is shattered
forever.
"Two
birds with one night, huh?" remarked Denzel during his
acceptance speech. He is
the second African-American ever to receive the honor; its first
black recipient was Mr. Sidney Poitier, a legendary actor with an
irrefutably successful acting regime. Poitier, who won the 1963
Oscar for best actor, was also honored at the awards ceremony for
lifetime achievement. Its been nearly 40 years since an African-American
has won the title of best actor, and as Washington received his
award he joked, Forty years I've been chasing Sidney and
what do they do -- they go and give [the award] to him in the same
night." He continued, "I'll always be chasing you,
Sidney. I'll always be following in your footsteps. There's nothing
I would rather do, sir. God bless you."
For
years, the Oscar Awards has turned its head and closed it eyes to
the brilliancy of black talent and acting skill; on March 24, 2002
however, the blinds were lifted as respect was given to where it
was long over due. Well goddamn. Its about time.
Want To Know More? Here's Some Links To Check Out...
Hallewood -- Halle Berry's Official
Website
Training Day --
Denzel Washington's Latest Movie
The Oscars -- Read a bit about the
famous awards ceremony