Halle Berry gets into the Oscars spirit, donning an elegant Elie Saab gown the color of her own trophy (for 2001's Monster's Ball) at Ebony magazine's pre-awards celebration in Hollywood on Thursday. Berry is rooting for Best Actor nominee Forest Whitaker – and had some wise words for him if he wins: "Keep (the speech) short and sweet," she told PEOPLE. "I obviously didn't do that, so I'm not the best person to give advice. I was a wreck."