The ceremony proved a historic night for the 2001 Awards show as two African-American actors won Oscars for leading roles, reports The Associated Press. Halle Berry won the leading actress category for her portrayal of a widow who falls for a racist in "Monster's Ball." Denzel Washington took the Oscar for lead actor for his role in "Training Day," in which he plays a corrupt police officer, a part that allowed the actor to shed his nice-guy image. The academy also paid tribute to the long, successful career of Sidney Poitier, who won best actor in 1963 for "Lilies of the Field." "A Beautiful Mind" won best picture along with three other awards. Other highlights included Randy Newman's first Oscar win for best song "If I Didn't Have You," from "Monsters, Inc." This was Newman's 16th Oscar nomination.. Data: Hollywwod on line News

1. Whoopi Goldberg Welcomes the crowd wearing feathers that didn't appeal to some animal lovers
2. Redford embraces Streisand onstage after he received an Honorary Award
3. More of Halle Berry, winner of The Best Actress Academy Award for her performance in the film "Monsters Ball," poses for photos backstage
4. Best Actress Winner Halle Berry and Actress Julia Roberts embrace at the Govener's Ball after the 74th Annual Academy Awards,