HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Halle Berry was honored Friday at the Hollywood Reporter's 18th Annual Woman in Entertainment Power 100 breakfast at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Berry, 43, received the Shirley Lansing Leadership Award for her groundbreaking contributions to the entertainment industry. In addition to her acting accomplishments, the Monster's Ball star has devoted herself to the nonprofit group Jenesse Center, which helps victims of domestic violence.
"They are battered and scared and they don't have anywhere to go," Berry told the Reporter of her charitable endeavors. "I give the children baths or put them to sleep. Or I go down and paint one of the new shelters or try to get furniture, or get people to donate legal services to help these women (obtain) restraining orders."
"I saw my mother battered at a young age and I saw the effects it had on our family, so I feel when I go down there I have something of value to offer them," continued the first African-American woman to win a best actress Oscar. "I come from where they come from. I've seen it. I've experienced what they are living through. My life lessons make a difference in their lives."
The annual event honors the 100 most powerful women in the entertainment industry. In addition to Berry, this year's honorees included Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chairman Amy Pascal, Disney Media Networks co-chairman and Disney-ABC television group president Anne Sweeney, and media mogul Oprah Winfrey.
Also see: Halle Berry Pictures
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