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CNN Live At Daybreak

Berry, Washington Take Home Oscars

Aired March 25, 2002 - 06:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Oscar is color blind. At last night's Academy Awards, Halle Berry became the first African-American to be named Best Actress, and Denzel Washington became the second black to win the Best Actor award. Berry was honored for her role in "Monsters Ball," and Washington was chosen for his performance in "Training Day."

And last night, as I said, was such a historic night at the Oscars, we want to get more on the excitement from CNN's Lilian Kim, who is live in Los Angeles. And, Lilian, this was a particularly long ceremony. I have an e-mail to read for you. This is from Nancy Ann in California. She says, "Why don't they make the Oscar ceremony into a miniseries?"

LILIAN KIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it did break a record. The longest Oscar telecast ever at four hours and 23 minutes. But you know, it was a great night, especially, as you said, for black actors and for "A Beautiful Mind." That movie captured four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Ron Howard. For the actor turned director, it was a big win for him, somewhat of a validation as he was not nominated for best directing for "Apollo 13" six years ago.

Denzel Washington also a big winner. He won for "Training Day" as a corrupt cop, and Halle Berry won for her role as a death row inmate's wife in "Monsters Ball." So a big night for black actors in Hollywood, and here is what Denzel Washington had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DENZEL WASHINGTON, BEST ACTOR: People use the word movie star, and I like to say I'm hopefully an actor, who is becoming more and more popular. You know, as a craft, I respect the craft. I try to do my best work, and I am really pleased and relieved to see that the Academy is recognizing people for their work, not just for the amount of money that is spent on a campaign. I think that's a good thing.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KIM: And for the Best Supporting Acting award, that went to Jim Broadbent for "Iris." He played the husband of British novelist, Iris Murdock. And the Best Supporting Actress award went to Jennifer Connelly for her role as a struggling wife in "A Beautiful Mind" -- Carol. COSTELLO: Thank you very much -- Lilian Kim reporting live for us from Los Angeles this morning, where I know it's very late, so we'll let you go. Thank you.

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