Halle Berry became the first African American woman...

Halle Berry became the first African American woman to win an Oscar for a lead role for her portrayal of a death row wife/widow in the movie "Monsters Ball."
The title "Monsters Ball" comes from how guards refer to a condemned prisoner's last night/meal, and the movie deals with the life transition of the head of the execution team once he decides he's had enough of that job.
Among the many people Berry thanked after she received the award was the actual death row wife who helped her understand the role. "Monsters Ball" will be seen more because of this award, which will help the cause of abolition. Hopefully, Halle Berry will use this opportunity to talk a little about the collateral damage of the death penalty and in doing so, enlighten people about the pain and struggles of the women who love(d) the men on death row.