Her speech did not do justice to the moment

Sarah, Canada

Truly, it was a historical moment to witness the victory of Halle Berry and an honour to see her climb up the ladder to receive the most awarding trophy in her field of work. She has set an everlasting landmark for the next generations. However, with Halle's emotional speech in mind, I was hoping to hear something more academic/intelligent than the usual "Grammy type" speech. Lets face it: her speech did not do justice to the moment and a few years down the road, our kids will only have that emotional teary speech to review - a speech that does not truly represent what you expect a pioneer to say about such a moment!!
Sarah, Canada

All speeches aside, the fact still remains that Americans are far more openly expressive, and yes, more sentimental than our stodgy and uptight European counterparts. Don't you think it's about time you Brits get over it? It's a cultural difference. Learn to accept it. We don't want to be like you, ok? Personally, I think it's odd that this would even be a topic of a Talking Point discussion, given that the viewer ratings for these Oscars were the lowest ever.
A.A., US

I'm not sure she won the Best Actress Award at all. Perhaps it should have been the Best Black Actress Category? Why is it about so much more than just the acting?
Jo, UK

Stop fawning over this irrelevant tripe and show the Nobel prize speeches instead.
Julian, Scotland

She was awarded that Oscar because of her acting and judging from the speech it was well deserved

Nigel

Why is it that only black people (or am I supposed to call them "people of ethnic background" or "Ethnic minorities" (phh!) or "People of colour") use the subject of race in these situations? Do they not realise that if they were to stop bringing it up all the time nobody would care. They've got their black music awards, black films, black day of the week or whatever. She was awarded that Oscar because of her acting and judging from the speech it was well deserved. If a decent hardworking man with style, grace and integrity like Sidney can stand up, having received an Oscar for his life (!), and not have to remind us all that he is black (we can see by the way), then surely the rest of the actors/actresses can do the same. It was a night to celebrate films, not prove that blacks are (better, hard done by, whatever (delete as appropriate, I have yet to figure out their agenda). Congratulations Halle, but a highly inappropriate speech.
Nigel

It's only pretend, make-believe - Halle hasn't found a cure for cancer for heaven's sake. Overpaid, over-exposed and fortunately over there.
Barbara, UK

I found Halle's speech toe-curlingly embarrassing - not to mention clich�d, derivative and boring.
Hugh Smith, London, UK

I must say that I felt lucky to witness the sheer honesty and raw emotion in her speech

Rahman, Hungary (originally USA)

With regard to her speech, I must say that I felt lucky to witness the sheer honesty and raw emotion in her speech. Anyone that knows the history of black women's trials and tribulations in Hollywood would understand Halle's reaction. Anything less on her part would have been arrogant, and shown disrespect and unappreciation for the black women who fought battles that not even today's black actresses are up against. Don't forget that the prejudice Dorothy Dandridge faced ultimately killed her, despite her Academy recognized talent. I encourage all of you to research the history of black women in Hollywood before you judge Halle's reaction. For those of you outside the U.S., it is unfortunate that you do not fully understand the historical significance of this event. We would like to be simply "judged as humans" but our country (and frankly the world we live in) does not give us that option. Black Americans are singled out for almost every negative thing under the sun. Our skin colour must not be forgotten when we achieve great things. Finally, I'd be willing to bet that half the people who are questioning her victory did not even see "Monster's Ball". Her performance was phenomenal. She clearly gave the best female performance of the year.
Rahman, Hungary (originally USA)

I was touched by the speech given by Halle for a moment I felt my heart stop it was a speech that came from the heart and I felt so proud of her at that very moment, that was no act that was genuine. I love you Halle and may god bless you.
Meg, Zimbabwe

Why is it suddenly all the rage to refer to black people as "people of colour"? Should we also start referring to dark clouds as "clouds of colour"...or, perhaps more pertinently, to a certain genus of tasty wild fruit as "a Berry of colour"?
Chris B, England

Pure Hollywood schmaltz. They'll be making a film about it next year. These are actors, not Afro-American actors. When is the US going to stop the race issue. Poor Robert Redford, not a good year to get picked for an award!
Steve, UK

I am happy for Ms Berry that she won, but that she should put so much stock in winning an Oscar is a little bit over the top

Kaye Davidson, Canada

Putting all emotion aside for a minute, let's be practical. First of all, Halle Berry is half white, (her mother was sitting right beside her at the Oscars!) so she cannot speak for all African Americans. Secondly, the black race in America comprises of only 8 per cent of the majority, and since movies are a serious industry in Hollywood where money and profits are Gods, of course there are not going to be a majority of 'black movies' produced, so therefore the opportunities for black actresses to win are decreased simply because of the ratio factor. Hollywood's main preoccupation is to make money for its shareholders and isn't the slightest bit interested in promoting human causes, unless it will make money from it. I am happy for Ms Berry that she won, but that she should put so much stock in winning an Oscar is a little bit over the top. Let's face it, someone needs to have a reality check here;- -Her Oscar is after all, only a recognition of acting skills and certainly not in the same category as the Nobel prize or any other humanitarian award!
Kaye Davidson, Canada

Sorry ... how can a 'gasping' and 'sobbing' actress be 'inspiring'? Just a query.
Mel, UK

The Oscars?? What do they mean? A pay rise, for one. You always get this political crap when a black person wins something, newspapers were printing articles on Martin Luther King...For goodness sake, she only won an award. Now if she'd helped mankind, like found a cure for cancer I would be all for her. Big, big overreaction. Stupid awards.
Suzy, England

To all those who say Halle Berry's speech and emotion was rehearsed and contrived, well, she must be a damn good actress to come up with such a performance that night. One way or the other, she amply deserved her statue!
Mussie K., Switzerland

Awful, just bloody awful, to me all Oscars are awful, including the crowd that attends them. Let's have one every 10 years.
Con_Lenihan, Australia

The more it's mentioned that black has triumphed over white, the more the race issue will come to the fore

Richard, USA

In the speeches by 'black' actors the overwhelming theme was 'black actors'. In the same breath they were saying that it shouldn't make a difference what colour you are. You can't have it both ways. Either you want to highlight the difference or don't. The more it's mentioned that black has triumphed over white, the more the race issue will come to the fore. Sorry, but it's about time some of the black actors stood up and said 'this isn't an achievement for black people; it's just an achievement for the individual'. If it is thought that the academy gave the awards to make up for past racism, then the award winners have been totally insulted.
Richard, USA

She is marvellous and deserves the award. The speech has put me in tears for how hard it is to be one of the 'colour people'
Rose, Malaysia

If she acted like that in a movie she wouldn't have one an Oscar in the first place
Sarah

Where to start? This is acting, not rocket science. No need for hysterics. Secondly, black actress? She's not black, she's whiter than the Pope. Thirdly, struggles of black actresses? What are you talking about? Does anyone realize what kind of money these people make? Look at the widening gap between the halves and halve nots. It's all going to blow up soon. I don't know who is worse, the self-absorbed, narcissistic actors or the mindless, sheep-like, adoring public. This world's a mess. Priorities are upside down...but I digress, after all, it's just a statue.
Chris, USA

How dare she also assume that her personal pat on the head means anything in the real world?

Paul Charters, England

It was one of the most shockingly racist scenes I've ever seen that in my mind. Puts back racial equality by about 10 years. How dare she also assume that her personal pat on the head means anything in the real world? It's just pathetic.
Paul Charters, England

It's just showbiz. Get a sense of perspective.
Henry Case, UK

The first black woman to vote in South Africa probably didn't carry on like Berry, and ultimately that was a much more emotional and significant moment than a worthless night of Hollywood frippery. I resent the fact that the only role models for blacks are entertainers or hoop-shooting homeboys. Why can't people value doctors, farmers or engineers as much as they do these ditzy parasites of the screen?!
Alex, Australia

Typical American, over the top and basically meaningless.
Volker, England (ex Germany)

I was in tears myself.

Jan Overstreet, USA

I was in tears myself. What the lady said was right on. Maybe one has to live in this country to realize what a joy it was for her, especially if one has lived in the South. Bless her.
Jan Overstreet, USA

This is a success for Halle Berry first and foremost more than anything else. For someone who's "acting ability" has always been regarded as dubious it is no wonder she broke down in tears. I for one have not seen her Oscar winning performance, but have seen her in many other movies in which she stank up the screen. So no small wonder the utter surprise.
Gavin, USA

Halle's speech was not for us to judge. No one knows what to do at a moment like that. I thought her speech was beautiful and real. It touched me and she made me so proud. She worked for that Oscar and no one can take that away from her. If she was wrong for crying, so were viewers who cried right along with her. I was one of them and I believe - as Halle said - who cares what people think. Congratulations to Halle, we are proud of you!!!!
Nina, USA

Why else do you think she got a standing ovation? It was quite obvious that Halle's speech moved a lot of the audience who seemed to cry with her. Reading from a crinkled scrap of paper is embarrassing.
Jon, China

Pathetic, when are we going to stop idolising these people. They are not gods, just a bunch of people who make us laugh or cry, our lives do not depend on them, and anyway, when are we going to stop calling them black actors? They are actors, skin colour should be irrelevant.
Paul J-W, England, UK

I can't tell you if her speech went over the top as I was videoing the coverage (I had work the next day) and the BBC decided to switch channels before it got to the top awards, and then in the highlights her speech had been so heavily edited that it lasted no time at all...
Vicky Wardle, UK

I heard her "crying" speech on the radio and had to turn it off! I turned on a few minutes later and she was still crying - it was awful. I watched some of the ceremony but to be honest the ceremony is OK its the acceptance speeches that are a pain!
Sally Freeman, Australia

This award was for an outstanding performance, not past injustices.

Craig, New Zealand

For someone to be nominated for such an award is an honour in itself, especially when contending with other extremely talented actresses. Her reaction was honest, her demeanour overwhelming and what's more she carried her self with pride. This award was for an outstanding performance, not past injustices. While there will be those that believe that she received the award due to her ethnic origins, I believe that members of the academy that voted for Halle, did so in an unbiased manor, and while this world is far from being in �Racial harmony� maybe this a step closer to this goal.
Craig, New Zealand

Thoroughly undignified! Too bad she could not have emulated Sidney Poitier, who is such a fine gentleman, as well as being an excellent actor. My own choice for Best Actress was either Dame Judi Dench or Sissy Spacek. Tom Wilkinson deserved the Best Actor award. O well, I guess by now we all know the Academy Awards frequently are unfair!
Maureen, Canada

Never mind that her speech was embarrassing, never mind that this award was long overdue, what Ms Berry said simply isn't true. Does anyone genuinely believe that an African-American actress is now going to find it easier to find work in movies than she did last week?
Simon, UK

While I'm not a big fan of the Oscars, I was actually quite touched by Halle Berry's acceptance speech. Usually, the cynical side of me likes to assume it is all an act, but it was clear that this was genuine. Whether or not she deserved to win, I believe that she was honestly shocked. What surprised me most though was how articulate her speech was despite the sobs and her unashamed joy once she had stopped the crying and collected herself was a pleasant change from the dull arrogance of many other award winners. I think in general there was too much emphasis on the fact that she is black. It smacks of political correctness and the idea that she has "opened the door" for other black actresses was a strange one. You only had to look at who was presented the ceremony to see how successful other black actresses have been. Still, I was impressed with her speech and got the impression hers were tears of shock and humility rather than the Paltrow-esque tears of diva-like indulgence.
Ben, UK

I think her speech was quite touching and inspiring.

Julie Edwards, Nigeria

Personally, I think her speech was quite touching and inspiring. Also, I think she deserved more than anything to win the award because I found her role quite challenging. Most of all, nobody should place themselves in a position where they would say if it was right for her to cry or not, I think she did not think she would win considering that no black woman had ever won the award, even though most of them sure deserve to have won.
Julie Edwards, Nigeria

Having seen all the Oscar-nominated performances, I have to say the right people won. Halle Berry and Denzel Washington gave the best performances of the year by any actor, black or white.
Rick, USA

We all shed tears of joy but some of you must be a woman of colour for just one day to understand. Until you walk in our shoes don't try to speak for us.
Rosetta Miller Perry, USA

Did no one else understand? The "hottest chick" won the Oscar yet again. Line up photos of all Oscar winning actresses. Surprise, Surprise! They are all mostly gorgeous. Wouldn't it have been fairer for her to renounce the award and say that it's about time we opened the door for older, fatter, uglier women? Hey! What about giving an Oscar for the greatest acting performance? Nah! Never catch on, will it?
Stingray, USA

It's her party and she can cry if she wants too

D Keita, USA

I am so proud of Halle Berry and Denzel Washington. Halle Berry especially. She really did open a door not just for black women but women who are Asian, Latino, etc. She is a true example of someone who has worked their way to the top and finally made it. Happiness is what I feel for her and her emotional speech was very acceptable. The first black woman to win best actress in Hollywood! I would cry to! So for all you haters, stop hating. She deserved that award. It's her party and she can cry if she wants too! Go Halle!
D Keita, USA

Rather than congratulating themselves for such a historic moment, shouldn't the Academy and Hollywood be asking themselves why it took so long for a "woman of colour" to win an Oscar and be ashamed of that.
Liz, UK

She gave a speech? Sorry, was too busy ogling one of the most gorgeous actresses ever to notice. Not that I'm shallow!
Richard, China

All the "armchair nominees" who seem to think they would be calm, cool, and collected at such a moment are kidding themselves. Like it or not, this was an historic event, and Berry let herself become completely immersed in it, rather than shield herself from it. I find it astonishing that people could think this was a contrivance just to show off. Then there's the race issue. Less than forty years of "official" equality in the U.S. does not erase the past. It shows great ignorance to begrudge Berry this powerful moment.
Zan, United States of America

Let's just be happy for her

Liz Amber, Sweden

Don't you think it's funny. We regularly watch strong scenes of sex and violence on TV and on film. Yet, here comes a person that for once shows her uncovered emotion of pure joy and happiness and some of you think it's embarrassing. Isn't that strange. Let's just be happy for her.
Liz Amber, Sweden

What is everybody complaining about? The Oscars have always been the world heavyweight champion of sycophantic, back-slapping and self congratulatory award ceremonies. Surely we already knew that? Okay, I suppose it is all a bit galling, watching these repellent people congratulate each for lives dedicated to self-interest and the acquisition of fame and fortune, but it's nothing new.
Jeremy, UK

How can any of us pretend to judge whether or not Halle Berry's emotional reaction was authentic. Your laughter might be my smirk, your tears my performance. Let the woman have her moment. She earned it. And the shameful fact is that last night was an historic occasion. Berry was right to point that out.
Cameron, Canada

Halle Berry is deserving of the award, and the tears streaming down her face were not contrived. Perhaps it is difficult for us, as observers, to truly understand her triumph. 74 Academy Awards ceremonies, one best actress award to a woman of colour. It was a very long time in coming for all of us.
Jeff, USA

Instead of honouring her fellow highly respected nominees (as any actress with class will do) Ms Berry turned her speech into a lesson in political correctness. Was she unaware of the extreme talent of her fellow nominees, Dame Judi Dench and Sissy to name just two? To be honoured alongside the great Judi Dench was an honour in itself and was obviously lost on Ms Berry.
Scott, USA

Unlike the utterly ridiculous Gwyneth Paltrow, Halle Berry had good reason to be emotional during her speech. Breaking the colour barrier in the Best Actress category is a major achievement and long overdue.
Shaila Manyam, USA

Keep the politics out of entertainment

Terry, Canada

Halle Berry went over the top, Russell Crowe was best actor, Lord of the Rings was best film. Sydney Poitier award about time. Keep the politics out of entertainment. All of the awards for black acting was the industry solving its own guilt feelings. Denzel is tops no matter what colour he is, but not top actor this time.
Terry, Canada

Obviously very few of the people who felt Halle Berry was over the top last night ever bothered to watch the movie Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, in which Berry starred. This film told the life story of Dandridge - the first black actress ever to be nominated for an Academy Award in 1954. Dandridge's talented career as an entertainer and singer was constantly affected by her status as a woman of colour in a bigoted and divided America. Throughout her career she had to endure the worst kind of discrimination.

The film details such constant humiliations - singing in white establishments Dandridge was not even allowed to enter these hotels from anywhere but the side entrance where the kitchen staff worked. They wanted her on the stage, but not as a person. Can't a woman have a little bit of emotion about a history like that? America then, as now, is a divided country. I salute Berry's courage and her emotion. And to those like Canadian Terry who feel politics has no place in entertainment I say, wake up, the personal is the political, it sadly has always been so.
Deborah Seddon, Zimbabwe/UK

Can you imagine the uproar if a white actor were to say that his Oscar was a tribute to the white race? Whenever someone "of colour" (what an awful phrase!) succeeds, it is automatically an achievement for the entire race - now if this isn't a racist proposition I don't know what is.
Douglas Walbett, UK

Halle and Denzel won because they put in two excellent performances - their race is not a factor, and should not be made into a factor. Reference was repeatedly made to race during the ceremony, which can only be a bad thing. The Sidney Poitier award was commented on by ONLY black people, Halle and Denzel celebrated the fact that they were black and that they won. Surely in an equal society this should not be an issue and drawing attention to the fact, using ONLY black actors for comment, encourage segregation rather than integration. I cannot imagine anything like this happening in the UK.
Nick Donnelly, UK

I am absolutely shocked at the comments from the UK people. I would assume a the majority of the commentators are not black and did not grow up in America. So to criticize her for the speech that every black person in America wanted to make was truly disgusting. The Brits are known for their reserved demeanour. Not Americans. And for those that are tired of "overacting Americans", why watch the show in the first place?
Marc, America

I have read several of the comments made about Halle's win and it is obvious things have not changed. There are comments that Halle went overboard and that she was too emotional but the fact remains that even as a bi-racial actress, no matter how "white" people may think her childhood may have been, she has been and always will be viewed and judged as a black woman. That's why she was so emotional and if you're not black, with all respect, don't try to understand it because you won't.
Luke, USA

It was a night of unprecedented triumph for Americans of every background who have worked to end racism.

Elizabeth, USA

I am a white woman who has worked as a counsellor with African American women. If the history of women of colour in America was fully understood, people would be cheering in the streets and weeping right along with Halle for recognizing and appropriately acknowledging the profound symbolism of the moment. I thank God that America has come far enough in overcoming its racism that such emotion and sentiment could be openly expressed in that setting. Between Halle Berry, Denzel Washington and Sidney Poitier, it was a night of unprecedented triumph for Americans of every background who have worked to end racism in this country.
Elizabeth, USA

She's the first black women to do it, she has made history. Her tears might make some uncomfortable. What she had to say might make some uncomfortable. The points needed to be said, and the landmark needed to by passed.
Shane, UK

Halle Barry's speech was embarrassing. During her tirade I was either cringing or just looking away from the screen. I don't expect her to capitalise on her Oscar as a result. Oh well, one positive was that she didn't try to torture audiences any further by trying read out a poem at the end of it all!!!
Jamie, Australia

I am utterly shocked at the responses to Halle Berry's victory. Do people not understand what it is to be overcome with emotion? It was not at all embarrassing - just a woman in a moment that was, as she so articulately put it, bigger than her. That was history in the making! The glass ceiling has, at last, after 74 long years been broken!! Are the British so emotionally devoid and reserved that they cannot understand 'tears of joy'. As a 'person of colour' in a male, white dominated profession, I empathise with her.
Anonymous, UK

Sidney Poitier was terrific. The picture of dignity, self-assuredness and strength. HE opened doors and blazed a trail. Halle Berry wanted to jump on the band-wagon and make her award more significant than it is. Congratulations to her, but it was plain embarrassing.
Michael, Wales

I think it was a sham. I mean she was nominated so she must have known there must be at least a chance she might win. I always thought of her as graceful, but crying and all that while still making a long speech makes it look to me like it was all over-acting. Her speech looked like it would never end. If she was too emotional then take the award and say 'Thank you' that would have been classy in my book. Plus why think of different races anymore - we are all humans?
Faiz Hanif, USA

A perfect 10. The tears were just right and shined in the lights, not too much not too little. The head was at the right angle for them to glint in the lights. The sobs punctuated the speech to the maximum effect. If you can fake sincerity you really have it made. We'll see a lot more of this young lady.
David, UK

Halle is a very good actress and she deserved to win. Her reaction showed that she was not expecting to win. It was spontaneous and unrehearsed - Hollywood has overlooked the achievements of African-Americans for far too long. So what if she babbled on - it was such a rare moment - she had to acknowledge all those before her (Dorothy Dandrige, Angela Bassett, Oprah Winfrey...) who paved the way for her but have been so often overlooked. She deserved it...
jackie, England

Lovely to see, if perhaps a little gushing

Rob Morris, UK

Lovely to see, if perhaps a little gushing. It's just a shame it's taken so long for a black actress to be recognised.
Rob Morris, UK

If you're black, in Hollywood or outside of it, you would understand that this is issue is not up for debate. Celebrate the history!
Ose, USA

Could someone explain why Lenny Kravitz got up and started clapping her half way through the speech?
Richard, UK

Touch of the verbals, lovies!
Adrian Jones, UK

What does Halle's award have anything to do with her being black? She did a wonderful job. That is why she got the award. This did not open any doors for other black women. They must earn an award just the way Halle did.
Kelle, USA

The academy has done it again! They wanted to correct a past injustice and went overboard. Denzel Washington has deserved an Oscar many times but not for this performance, Halle Berry was just a pure embarrassment to herself and the academy. Why can't the Oscars for once give an award to the rightful winner as opposed to who they think has been overlooked before?
Dave M, England

The Oscar mud-slinging continues....

Sharon, Canada

For heaven's sake, this is a non-issue! Instead of focusing on the magnitude of Ms. Berry's achievement, and the impact which this will have on opportunities for black actors in Hollywood, we prefer to dwell on the frivolous. The Oscar mud-slinging continues....
Sharon, Canada

Well-deserved and long overdue. It's high time we gave recognition to black actors and actresses for the great work they've done.
M, USA

It was certainly an important moment; the first black actress to gain an Oscar (best supporting) was in Gone with the Wind in 1939 - and that for a role of a slave. Times have moved on thank God.
However, the dire acceptance speech "performance" would not have graced a junior school amateur production let alone an award winning actress; this was a moment played and over-played in her own head and her own emotions betrayed and denigrated the moment.
Tim, Wales

Why is it suddenly all about race?

Disgusted, USA

Why is it suddenly all about race? Especially for someone who has a "white" mother, has had a very "white" upbringing, and has never known her "black" father or her black roots. The awards are for performance and merit and Berry's linkage of race was a misrepresentation and an embarrassment to actors who view it as a measure of their thespian skills. Denzel Washington on the other hand, was all class.
Disgusted, USA

It was a nice sentiment expressed by a beautiful woman who should be celebrated not scorned
Sandy, Eire

How embarrassing!! I'm just listening to Howard Stern replay it this morning and I am gagging. Blech! But Tom Cruise's little diatribe was worse!
Kelly Campbell, USA

Seems to me the girl had a lot of pent up frustrations, but I think a little embarrassing for her to babble on like that, after all it's a acting award, did somebody not tell her she's already got the award.
Geoff Creak, England

She missed a great opportunity to show some dignity and class. I guess she's not that great an actress after all.
Javier, USA

A film awards ceremony should not be used as a platform for political assertions

Sam Adams, England

A film awards ceremony should not be used as a platform for political assertions. In the end the movies are about entertainment- no more, no less.
Sam Adams, England

Whilst I object strongly to the PC phrase 'person of colour', I can't help but think that if it creates such a buzz of interest when a black person wins a major award, we still have an awfully long way to go when it comes to equality. People should achieve based on their merits. Their skin colour should be neither here nor there.
Ian, UK

I cringed under my duvet! (Well-done Jim Broad bent!)
Eddy James, UK

I think her speech was a bit much. I am glad she won, but I feel that she should want to be known as a great actress and not a great "woman of colour" actress. I actually got a bit frustrated and embarrassed for her when she went up there weeping hysterically for 2 minutes before she finally said something and had the audacity to thank everyone save the family dog. It was rude and in poor taste.
Julia, USA

What utter rubbish. She got it for her 'acting' not her colour!
Gareth Paul, UK

I thought it was hilarious. She was always the one that wanted everyone to know her for her acting and not the colour of her skin, and once she wins such a prestigious award it seems she get away from the fact that she's black, and acts like she's Rosa Parks. Didn't watch it last night, but heard it on the radio today and was embarrassed for her. She probably doesn't realize how idiotic and melodramatic she came off.
JC, USA

Ungracious and near political. A mere "thank you" would have been enough.
Jennifer Ethington, USA

I thought it was touching and moving and wonderful. It was my favourite moment of the night.
Gilly, USA

I think it was evident that the award of the Oscar was something that had not entered Halle Berry's mind as she seemed genuinely overcome at the time of the announcement. Indeed, it looked for a while that she would struggle to get onto the stage to receive the award, never mind be able to make a speech. It also looked as if she didn't have any notes to assist her (which perhaps also shows her view on the likelihood of winning). The question is, therefore, was her speech embarrassing in these circumstances, and the answer has to be no, it wasn't. Was it inspiring - it wasn't this either. Sidney Poitier was, however, something else again. Dignity and strength personified.
Allan Heron, Scotland

I agree with Allan Heron from Scotland - Halle Berry's speech was not inspiring but the tears were clearly understandable. She did not expect to win, which I think you'd have been blind not to notice (to all those who say her speech was rehearsed and contrived). And to all those uncomfortable with the whole "racial" overtones - I say you're incredibly naive. You can't pretend that being the first black woman to win the award doesn't count - you can't brush aside that it happened - and in all fairness you can't blame a woman who's just realised that she's achieved something historic for getting emotional. So not the best speech in the world by a long shot, but at least she had a reason for being emotional.
maggie, UK

It's unfortunate about the tears. But what other minority than the one she comes from has it harder to prove itself?
MTS, UK

I felt as though she was really honouring herself rather than honouring those before her

Anonymous, USA

I think it is now time to move beyond all of the racial overtones associated with these awards. Moreover, with her overblown emotion, I felt as though she was really honouring herself rather than honouring those before her. It is time to move on.
Anonymous, USA

This speech really showed up how big an issue race still is in the USA. Get over it!
Adam, UK

Is there an Oscar for over reacting? Could only happen in America, how embarrassing.
Paul, Essex, UK

I loved it! Sheer emotion -all natural.
Dave, UK

Now Gwyneth can relax. Halle's speech will be repeated and repeated as another Oscars embarrassing moment.
Jackie Ashley, UK

Emotions, emotions, emotions, I really think she deserves the Oscar no matter what, and however she expresses herself, it's her own business.
Jane, England

Ms Berry did not believe one word that she was saying of her oh so rehearsed speech!
Paul Olden, England

I thought Gwyneth Paltrow could not be beaten. Close though.
David, UK

I think she is well within her rights to cry for getting an Oscar. I would.
James, UK

Ms Berry's acceptance speech is proof that actors shouldn't be allowed to speak without a script first.
Simon, UK

Is a bit of dignity too much to ask?

Haiku Lazy, UK

First Sally Field, then Gwyneth Paltrow, then Julia Roberts and now Halle Berry - why is it always the females who insist on being the hysterical, embarrassing ones? I know you are happy girls, but PLEASE is a bit of dignity too much to ask?
Haiku Lazy, UK

I was very surprised at the fact that she is the first 'woman of colour' to win best actress. Considering the Oscars have been going for 74 years I can imagine it is a very emotional award for her and some people are just far too cynical. Let people be proud of their job since their job, done well, gives the viewing world such entertainment. Well done
Stephen McC, Scotland

Big up Halle! And what is wrong with her giving props to her race. Check it out - 74 years of oscars and 2 black female winners. Its only white people who are getting offended that she mentioned her brown skin and why not? People of colour will be inspired by that fact that a black female is being taken seriously. I think she knows that she got the award for her acting. There's nothing wrong with biggin' up your people. Every person of colour knows how hard it is to be accepted in the white mans world. Not as embarrasing as Gweneth "I can't do no wrong" Paltrow.
Mars, UK

Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey are far superior actors and have done far more to open doors for minorities.

Fred Barnes, USA

What twaddle indeed! Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey (who annoys me to no end as a talk-show host) are far superior actors and have done far more to open doors for minorities. That they didn't win shows not racism, but that only the right film at the right time can allow one's performance to be brought to light. Halle needs to thank Whoopi, Oprah, her director and the film's publicists, who are the real reason she won. I can't believe I just spent so much time talking about such a "pretentious waffle".
Fred Barnes, USA

Interesting to hear people dictate how they would prefer someone else to express her joy. Well, she won, she cried, she alone knew what was on her mind. If you are not coming from her experience, should you judge why she did what she did? I am tired and impatient with people who think they are "specialists" and "experts" on others.
Sheek Mat, USA

What a load of emotional twaddle!
I thought it was all highly amusing.
Paul, UK

Considering Halle's mother is from Liverpool, I'm surprised the media have not claimed her as one of the Brits

Michael Roberts, UK

Re: Paul - If the Oscars are such twaddle, then why waste your time talking about them?
Well done Halle. For a woman who has had to suffer physical and racial abuse, who is diabetic and 80% deaf in her right ear to be honoured by her peers, she is certainly allowed to have a little cry. Also, considering Halle's mother is from Liverpool, I'm surprised the media have not claimed her as one of the Brits I am supposed to root for to win!
Michael Roberts, UK

Which shall it be, her being known "merely as an actress" irrespective of race, or does she want to be seen as a "woman of colour?" One can't have it both ways.
Anonymous, USA

The fact is that the Oscars are the most pretentious waffle and the voters are people that most of the time live on another planet.
Michael, England

Her acceptance speech justifies her Oscar. Far too rehearsed for my liking
MS, UK

An over-acted slice of ham. Can actors and actresses not do 'sincere' without weeping buckets.
Gerry, Scotland