Whoopi Goldberg, Host of the 74th Academy Awards, and performance by Cirque du Soleil during the Academy Awards presentation at the Kodak Theatre.

Oscar^® returned home to Hollywood in grand fashion as the 74th Academy Awards^® were presented live on March 24, 2002, from the brand new Kodak Theatre. The state-of-the-art venue, located at the Hollywood & Highland complex, hosted the first Oscar telecast held in Hollywood in more than 40 years.

The 74th Academy Awards will forever be known as a groundbreaking year. Aside from being the longest Oscar show to date, clocking in at four hours and 23 minutes, a historical milestone was achieved when Denzel Washington and Halle Berry won the top acting honors of the night.

Another Oscar first made history when Academy President Frank Pierson selected Laura Ziskin to produce the Awards, making this the first time a woman producer would helm the show. Laura offered fresh ideas and innovative touches, including a breathtaking performance by Cirque du Soleil, which created a dynamic and captivating show.

Production veterans and industry pros made up this year's production team. John Williams made his debut as the show's music director and J. Michael Riva marked his first-time as production designer while some familiar faces returned including supervising producer Michael Seligman; director Louis J. Horvitz; head writer Bruce Vilanch; talent executive Danette Herman and lighting designer Robert Dickinson. Laura's team consisted of more than 100 people who worked tirelessly on the annual telecast. Their hard work was rewarded with seven Emmy nominations.

Whoopi Goldberg made her fourth appearance as the show's host. Her unique blend of warmth and humor thrilled the live audience at the Kodak and the millions watching at home, helping to make the 74th Academy Awards an unforgettable Hollywood experience.