Halle Berry: Opening Up About Love, Hate & Hollywood Racism

Halle Berry made history as the first African American woman to take home the Academy Award for best actress in a motion picture, and for that reason alone, the former pageant queen's words hold a lot of weight.

In the March edition of Essence magazine, the new mother of 9-month-old daughter Nahla opened up to CNN correspondent Lola Ogunnaike about her current relationship "status," her past romances and her disappointment with Hollywood peers.

Though the Cleveland-born beauty won the coveted award for her performance in the gritty Lee Daniels-produced drama 'Monster's Ball,' she couldn't shake criticism about taking the role, in which she and Billy Bob Thornton had an all-out balls-to-the-walls sex scene.

Angela Bassett, who had been nominated for best actress 10 years prior for the critically acclaimed Tina Tuner biopic 'What's Love Got to Do With It,' famously told Newsweek magazine that she had been offered the lead role of Leticia Musgrove first but turned it down because she "wasn't going to be a prostitute on film."

Other Hollywood notables and industry-goers shared similar reactions to the rawness of the scene.

Berry revealed that she was hurt by the backlash. "I would have rather had them call me up at home and say, 'Halle, what the f--- was that,' as opposed to them airing it publicly," she told Essence. "That was such an important moment for me and to have people attempt to dampen it not only for me, but for all the people who found hope and joy in that moment."

"You find out who your real friends are," she added. "Take mental notes and keep it moving."

And that's not all she had to say about Hollywood.

Regarding racism in Tinseltown, Berry said she believes there are many more opportunities for black actors today and that "things have absolutely gotten better" since her early days on the TV sitcom 'Living Dolls' and being denied a role as a park ranger. "Young black artists have no idea how hard it used to be," she added.

Professionally, she knows hardships -- and also personally.

BHM MEDIA NEW

While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.

bauergriffinonline.com

Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer's look?

Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL

Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is Mischa's look a hit or miss?

Eric Ryan, Getty Images

Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?

Gerardo Mora, Getty Images

Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?

Eric Ryan, Getty Images

Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim's look.

Tim Boyles, Getty Images

Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville.

Dominique Charriau, WireImage

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?

Carlos Alvarez, Getty Images

Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

Being thousands of miles away didn't stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.

Julien Hekimian, WireImage

A hot Halle Berry topic of late is her relationship with 33-year-old model and restaurateur Gabriel Aubry, who is the father of her baby.

The twice-divorced Revlon cosmetics spokeswoman declared that she would not marry again. "I feel more married now than I did in any of my actual marriages," she said about her relationship with Aubry. "We live the truth of that and that's more important than a piece of paper."

She previously signed pieces of paper (aka marriage licenses) with baseball star David Justice and R&B crooner Eric Benet. The 'Strictly Business' star was also reportedly romantically linked to former R&B chart-topper Christopher Williams, soap opera star Shemar Moore and former box-office superstar Wesley Snipes.

Aubry is a stark contrast from her aforementioned mates; they're all black.

But she may not be looking back. "I tried black men. I tried," Berry joked. "I married two black men. You know I tried."

"I don't hold all black males responsible because of the two bad eggs I got," she clarified, possibly contemplating how many of her black male fans consider her a sex symbol. "I even dated black men after my last divorce, but this is just where I found love."

The March issue of Essence magazine is on newsstands now.

BUY IT, TRY IT: 'Monster's Ball' On DVD

Mel B Pictures

In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**

In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **

In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

Getty Images

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

Getty Images

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

Getty Images

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

Getty Images

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

Getty Images

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

Getty Images