Past Black Oscar Winners

Oscar winner Jamie FoxxBlack performers have taken two of the top four acting awards, for only the second time in Oscar history.

Jamie Foxx won best actor for Ray and Morgan Freeman best supporting actor for Million Dollar Baby.

Three years ago, Halle Berry won best actress for Monster's Ball and Denzel Washington best actor for Training Day - the only other time two blacks have won.

"It means that Hollywood is beginning to make history," Morgan Freeman said. "We're evolving with the rest of the world.

"We're hoping for the day when (race) is no longer mentioned. And we're on our way."

Black people had their best year ever this time round, with a record five of the 20 acting nominations - including two for Jamie Foxx.

Morgan FreemanDon Cheadle was nominated as best actor and Sophie Okonedo as best supporting actress, both for Hotel Rwanda.

"It's a great night - we have four black nominees tonight. It's kinda like Def Oscar Jam tonight," said cheeky host, Chris Rock.

Other black Oscar winners over the years are: Hattie McDaniel in 1939 for best supporting actress for Gone With The Wind; best actor Sidney Poitier (1963) for Lilies Of The Field; Louis Gossett Jr and Denzel Washington for best supporting actor in 1982 and 1989 (An Officer And A Gentleman and Glory respectively); Whoopi Goldberg as best actress in Ghost (1990); Cuba Gooding Jr as best supporting actor in Jerry Maguire (1996).