In 2002, Halle Berry made history by becoming the first black "Best Actress" for her role as Leticia Musgrove in "Monster’s Ball." She delivered an emotional and memorable acceptance speech, thanking people of color who paved the way for her, including Hattie McDaniel, the first African American actress to be nominated and to win in a supporting role, and Sidney Poitier, the first to win "Best Actor" in 1963. Denzel Washington followed Poitier that same night, becoming the second to receive the honors.

The iconic dress that Berry wore that night is now on display at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. The gown features a mesh…