Angela Bassett and Blair Underwood, two film and television stars who are known and well respected in Hollywood spoke to EBONY.com about a night they won't ever forget: the 74th Academy Awards, held March 24, 2002.

That night, Halle Berry became the first African American woman to win Best Actress for her performance in "Monster's Ball," and Denzel Washington became only the second African American man to win Best Actor for his performance in "Training Day."

They also remember clearly the recognition given to actor and director Sidney Poitier, who had preceded Washington as Best Actor in 1963 for his role in "Lillies of the Field," for his many years of contributions to film.

"There is no perfection," said Bassett. "But we must aim for it."