Angela Bassett Reflects on Oscar Disappointment and Advocates for Representation in Hollywood

A Night to Remember: The 2023 Oscars and Beyond

With the 2025 Academy Awards just around the corner, Angela Bassett is revisiting her experience at the 2023 Oscars, where she was widely expected to win the Best Supporting Actress award for her powerful performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. However, the honor went to Jamie Lee Curtis for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. The moment Bassett realized she hadn’t won was captured on camera and quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion about her reaction and the broader context of her career. In a recent interview with Town & Country, Bassett opened up about the emotional weight of that moment, revealing that she was taken aback by the public’s response to her visible disappointment. “I found it interesting…that I wouldn’t be allowed to be disappointed at an outcome where I thought I was deserving,” she remarked.

Reflecting on Disappointment and Deservingness

Bassett’s comments shed light on the complex emotions tied to her loss. While she harbors no ill will toward Jamie Lee Curtis, she firmly believes her performance in Wakanda Forever was worthy of recognition. “I love applauding people,” she said, “but I have put in…good work over time. I didn’t think that was a gift. I thought it was a given.” This sentiment reflects not only her confidence in her craft but also her awareness of the dedication and resilience she has brought to her career. Her words also hint at a deeper frustration with the systemic challenges faced by Black women in Hollywood, where their contributions are often overlooked or undervalued.

A Legacy of Excellence: Angela Bassett’s Journey

Angela Bassett’s Oscar nod for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever marked her second Academy Award nomination. Her first came in 1994 for her iconic portrayal of Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It, a performance that earned her critical acclaim but ultimately lost to Holly Hunter’s role in The Piano. Despite the setbacks, Bassett has continued to build a legacy as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. In January 2023, she received an honorary Oscar, a testament to her enduring impact on the industry. During her acceptance speech, she paid tribute to trailblazing Black women like Diahann Carroll and Cicely Tyson, whose contributions paved the way for future generations. She also celebrated contemporary figures like Ariana DeBose and Jennifer Hudson, calling them “makers of history in our industry.”

A Viral Moment, A Broader Conversation

The viral footage of Bassett’s reaction at the 2023 Oscars sparked a wider conversation about the pressures placed on Black women in Hollywood to maintain a stoic exterior, even in the face of disappointment. Bassett’s candor about her feelings humanizes her and challenges the narrative that Black women must always appear resilient and unbothered. Her words also highlight the lack of space for vulnerability in an industry where their achievements are often met with skepticism or overlooked entirely. By expressing her disappointment, Bassett reminding the world that her work is not just a gift but a result of decades of hard work and dedication.

New Projects and Continued Legacy

Despite the disappointment of her Oscar loss, Angela Bassett continues to thrive in her career. Her latest project, the political thriller series Zero Day, premiered on Netflix in late January. The series, which also stars Robert De Niro, Lizzy Caplan, and Dan Stevens, showcases Bassett’s versatility as an actress and her ability to take on complex, dynamic roles. Zero Day is just one of many projects that underscore her commitment to telling compelling stories and challenging herself as an artist.

A Call to Action for Hollywood

Bassett’s reflections on her Oscar experience and her broader career serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for greater diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. Her honorary Oscar speech was more than just a moment of personal triumph; it was a call to action for the industry to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black women, both past and present. By advocating for their due, Bassett continues to inspire a new generation of actors and storytellers. Her journey, marked by both highs and lows, is a testament to her resilience and her unwavering commitment to her craft. As the 2025 Oscars approach, Bassett’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and the enduring impact of authentic representation in Hollywood.