South African born Charlize Theron wins an Oscar for best actress in the movie Monster

Date: 29 Feb 2004
Updated: 22 Aug 2019

South African born Charlize Theron wins an Oscar for best actress in the movie Monster

South African born Hollywood actress, Charlize Theron won an Oscar for her lead role in the movie “Monster” on 29 February 2004, making her the first African to do so. Theron portrays real life serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the movie. She had to alter her appearance and gain about 15 kilograms for the role. Her performance garnered her critical acclaim and won her several other awards, including an Academy Award, SAG Award and a Golden Globe Award.

Search events by date

What happened on your birthday?

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2012, February 24). South African born Charlize Theron wins an Oscar for best actress in the movie Monster. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0074546

South African History Online (2012) 'South African born Charlize Theron wins an Oscar for best actress in the movie Monster', South African History Online, 24 February. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0074546 (Accessed: 21 September 2026).

South African History Online, South African born Charlize Theron wins an Oscar for best actress in the movie Monster [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0074546, (accessed 21 September 2026).

"South African born Charlize Theron wins an Oscar for best actress in the movie Monster." South African History Online, 24 Feb. 2012, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0074546. Accessed 21 Sept. 2026.

South African History Online. "South African born Charlize Theron wins an Oscar for best actress in the movie Monster." South African History Online. February 24, 2012. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0074546.