Angela Bassett Receives An Honorary Oscar At The Governors Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences acknowledged the actress’ achievements in the film industry.
Angela Bassett added another award to her collection during the 14th Governors Awards, receiving an Honorary Oscar for her services to the film business.
Bassett, 65, used part of her acceptance speech to recognize “trailblazing” Black actresses who came before her, including Ruby Dee, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson, and Rosalind Cash.
“They were my North Star, my guiding light, proof that while the road may not be without curves and bumps, there was a way to fulfill what I believed deep in my soul was my destiny,” she said.
“It was standing on their strong, spiritually fortified shoulders that I often was sustained, and I thank them for every sacrifice, every doubt, every disappointment, every rejection, every triumph that I know they experienced along the way,” Bassett said.
“Because had it not been for their resilience, continuing to fight through their fears and the uncertainty and their willingness as they fought for every role, I would not have had a representation of what was possible for me.”
“But this honor isn’t just for or about me,” she said. “What I hope this moment means is that we are taking the necessary steps toward a future in which it is the norm, not the exception, to see and embrace one another’s full humanity, stories, and perspectives.”
Bassett said, “This must be our objective, and we must never forget that there is a place for everyone. “When we stand together, we win.”
During her lengthy speech, Bassett also mentioned how few Black women have won Best Actress Oscars (only Halle Berry) and praised fellow Black actresses “who are makers of history in our industry,” such as Jennifer Hudson, Regina King, Viola Davis, Mo’Nique, Lupita Nyong’o, Octavia Spencer, and Ariana DeBose.
“To my fellow Black actresses, fill your hearts with courage and strength because regardless of what you may think or see or feel, your contributions do matter,” Bassett said. “Take comfort in knowing that your performances have given hope, provided a fresh viewpoint, and brought pure pleasure to people at a time of need.
Never let fear, dissatisfaction, or disappointment prevent you from receiving divine and earned benefits. Remember who you are and who our forefathers wanted you to be — us to be.”
“I proudly share this honor with women who stand up when they are told to stand back, speak up when they are silenced, and remain determined when they’re told they’re defeated,” she said. “These women represent those that I’ve had the honor to portray, as well as the everyday women who surround us and inspire us to keep striving.”
On June 26, 2023, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed that Bassett, actor and director Mel Brooks, and film editor Carol Littleton will receive Honorary Oscars during the presentation, which had been slated for November 18.
“Across her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting,” Academy President Janet Yang stated in a news statement.
Previously, Bassett had two Oscar nominations. In 1993, she was nominated for Best Actress for her performance as Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It. Her role as Queen Ramonda in the 2022 film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination.
Her other prominent film appearances include Betty Shabazz in Spike Lee’s 1992 historical movie Malcolm X and Bernadine in the 1995 romance drama Waiting to Exhale.
Bassett’s Honorary Oscar follows a stellar year during awards season, including a Golden Globe in 2023 and nominations at the BAFTAs and SAG Awards for her portrayal in the Black Panther sequel.
The Academy’s Board of Governors selects the Honorary Oscar, which is “given to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy.”
Tyson, Samuel L. Jackson, Donald Sutherland, and Jackie Chan have all previously received the honor.
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