For what it's worth, I thought Denzel's performance was worth an Oscar. I didn't see Berry's performance because that sort of movie depresses me. I've heard from others whose opinion I respect that Halle Berry was terrific. If Berry were up against Julia Roberts for her lame cutsey portrayal of Erin Brockovich during last year's Academy Awards, it's pretty obvious who would have won. (Roberts!)
Yeah, Berry's acceptance speech was not the greatest, (I don't think she really believed that she would win, hence her rambling) but Julia Robert's 2001 egotistical, way-too-long speech was rude and self-serving. For crying out loud, Roberts didn't even thank the gal who brought her there--the REAL Erin Brockovich! At least Halle Berry realized the moment for what it was. Even though Halle didn't mention her name, (spur of the moment lapse, perhaps) can't you just see Hattie McDaniel smiling down from Heaven? I can. (And, no, I don't believe that Hattie was a lesbian or a commie because she donated her Oscar to Brown University unless proved otherwise.)
Cheers.