Angela Bassett Reveals She Wasn’t “Allowed” to Feel Sad After Oscar Loss

It’s a moment that has stuck with Angela Bassett.

In 2023, Angela was left without the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress to Jamie Lee Curtis, who had been nominated for “Black Panther: Wakana Forever”. While Jamie Lee triumphed for “Everything Everywhere All At Once”, Angela’s reaction during the ceremony became a viral sensation.

Clearly disheartened by the response initially, the ‘9-1-1’ actress is currently contemplating about the public’s reaction to her response.

In a recent interview with Town & Country, published on February 20th, Angela expressed her fascination, stating, “It’s intriguing that I couldn’t feel let down by a result where I believed I had earned it.

Regarding Jamie Lee’s victory, I can’t help but express my admiration by applauding her success. However, in that particular instance, I felt more than just an observer. After all, the years of dedication and hard work I’ve invested weren’t gifts, they were earned achievements to me.

One year later, Angela broke down her “gobsmacked” reaction.

In March 2024, she expressed to Oprah Winfrey that it was indeed a great letdown, as she put it. She added, “Disappointment is something every person experiences.

The actress from “Waiting to Exhale” shared her thoughts, saying, “You’ll encounter times of disappointment, but how do you respond during those moments?” Her suggestion was simple: “We’ll continue to smile, show grace, be kind, and still enjoy ourselves, even in the midst of it all.

Even though she had suffered a loss earlier, Angela, who was nominated for ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ in 1994, would still receive an honorary Academy Award at the 2024 ceremony. This recognition honored her impressive four-decade career in the film industry.

In her address, the 66-year-old woman highlighted the accomplishments of her African American contemporaries, including Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Lupita Nyong’o, and Regina King. She also pointed out that Halle Berry stands alone as the sole Black actress to have received the Best Actress award.

To my fellow Black actresses, let courage and strength guide you, as I believe your contributions hold significant value,” Angela expressed onstage. “Find solace knowing that your performances have brought hope, provided a unique viewpoint, and brought joy to many during difficult times. Always strive to overcome any fears, frustrations, or disappointments that may arise, so that you can embrace the blessings rightfully due to you.

She expressed, “This award doesn’t solely pertain to me. Ideally, it signifies that we are progressing towards a time when it becomes standard, rather than exceptional, to acknowledge and celebrate each other’s whole humanity, narratives, and viewpoints. Let this be our objective.

2025-02-20 20:47

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