Two African-American Best Actor Nominees

'Rings' Leads Oscar Nominations ~ "For the first time in 30 years three African-American actors were chosen in the lead acting categories: Will Smith as the title character in 'Ali,' Denzel Washington as a corrupt cop in 'Training Day' and Halle Berry who played the widow of an executed prisoner in 'Monster's Ball.' The last time that happened was 1972."

When Best Actor nominee Paul Winfield was nominated for Sounder (1972) and Best Actress nominees Diana Ross and Cicely Tyson were nominated for Lady Sings the Blues (1972) and Sounder (1972), respectively.

Also, as far as I can tell this is the first time ever that there have been two African-American Best Actor nominees in one year.