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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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**
AP
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**
AP
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 **
AP
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**
AP
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 )
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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 )
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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 )
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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 )
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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 )
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Comments: (358)
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By: Skeet on 2/21/2009 1:18PM
I think it's important that we choose not to judge Halle for her earthly success. God only knows how we'd respond if presented a similar opportunity such as what you had in the Monsters Ball scenario. Being a Black man I don't particularly like the fact of her having to have vivid sex on the screen with anyone (be they black or white), however I also realize the difficulty of getting "equal access" to the opportunities that people of other races often take for granted, not having experienced or understood the "Black Experience" in America. Suffice to say let's focus on getting the "Beam" out of our own eye before being critical of others for the "Speck" in theirs.
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By: HalleFan on 2/21/2009 4:30PM
Go Halle! I'm so glad you wised up.
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By: BOYCOTT HALLE on 2/26/2009 12:39AM
That's a racist comment. We are now in a time when we can stop equating negativity with the black race. Don't be an intra-racist like Halle Berry...thank you.
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By: Halle preaches Self Hate on 2/26/2009 12:25AM
Halle do you see the self hate you have just influenced! I hope you are proud of yourself!
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By: Michael on 2/21/2009 5:33PM
Halle, you know why you have problems with Black men. I will tell you why with all honesty. If you carried yourself with a little more dignity you would always get the respect you seek. Real, Black men love their REAL QUEENS. Look at Obama, Denzel and even me...I am a Black man that respects and loves my wife dearly. Color has nothing to do with it.
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By: Tee on 2/22/2009 8:49AM
Well said Michael
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By: Patricia on 2/23/2009 12:44PM
Michael, I'm glad you and Densel found the perfect black women, good for you, Your full of crap, Black men try to take especiallly sucessful black women.
Black men take advantage of most black women and when they can't they beat them look at Chris Brown and Rehanna, talk abot insecure black men Duhhhhh! I'm with Halle I wouldn't have waited for the second abuser I would have stopped at the first that would have been enough for me way to go Halle don't take no chit from no one move on let them go beat on a white girl so called brother my azz.
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By: Michael on 2/21/2009 5:33PM
Yeah, lots of people love sex scenes that exploit people of color in mainstream America. How else could she win the Oscar? We all know the truth.
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By: Michael on 2/21/2009 5:41PM
Yeah, mainstream America loves to exploit people of color. How else could she win the Oscar? I used to feel she was special actress. Now, her subpar performance in Monster Ball changed me forever. No self-respect. Perhaps, this is why Black men abhor her.
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By: Tracy on 2/21/2009 8:28PM
First of all, I enjoyed watching "Monsters Ball". I agree with Halle. And, although I also like Angela Basset she should have shown the class that she supposedly has and respectively given no comment. But, as always the ego is to large to be ignored. And, she couldn't resist bashing Halle. For once it would be nice to see black women supporting each other by taking themselves out of the mix...and let the next woman do her thing.
Secondly, good for you Halle...ain't nothing wrong with being in a relationship with a White Man...Especially if he is treating you properly. Matter of fact, I dated a couple myself and I did enjoy it...in and out of the sack...But, at the same time men will be men...black, white or otherwise...So, Ladies we can only make a personal choice for ourselves based on our own experiences...Life is short...So...Live and let live.
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