Angela Bassett, the esteemed actress renowned for her powerful performances, recently graced the stage at the 14th Governors Awards to receive an honorary Oscar. The ceremony, held on January 9th in Los Angeles, witnessed Bassett’s emotional and impactful speech, highlighting the importance of representation, paying homage to trailblazers, and promising to pave the way for diverse talent.
Dressed in a glittering gown befitting Hollywood royalty, Bassett captivated the audience from the moment she took the stage. The Black Panther actress expressed her deep connection to acting, portraying it not just as a career but as a calling that holds meaning and the potential to make a significant impact.
Angela Bassett paid a heartfelt tribute to her “dear friend and mentor,” the late Cicely Tyson, the first Black actress to receive an honorary Oscar in 2018. Bassett underscored the significance of Tyson’s influence on her career by describing the award as a “testament” to Tyson’s legacy and contributions to the film industry.
Bassett acknowledged the groundbreaking achievements of Hattie McDaniel, the first Black person to win an Oscar in 1940, and Whoopi Goldberg, the second Black actress to receive the coveted award 50 years later. Drawing inspiration from the past, she highlighted the resilience of trailblazers such as Ruby Dee, Diahann Carroll, and Rosalind Cash, emphasizing their role in shaping the possibilities for future generations.
In her speech, Bassett celebrated contemporary Black actresses like Jennifer Hudson, Halle Berry, Lupita Nyong’o, Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, and Ariana DeBose as beacons of hope for aspiring young Black and brown girls. She recognized the importance of standing on the shoulders of those who fought through fear and uncertainty to pave the way for the current generation of actors.
As one of the “100 Most Powerful Women in Hollywood,” as reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Angela Bassett dedicated her Oscar to the women she has portrayed on screen. These characters stand up when told to stand back, speak up when silenced, and remain determined when told they are defeated. Through this dedication, Bassett highlighted the strength and resilience of these characters and the real-life women they represent.
Angela Bassett’s Oscar acceptance speech was a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey toward diversity, inclusion, and the recognition of Black talent in the film industry. Her words echoed a commitment to continue breaking barriers, celebrating the achievements of those who came before, and inspiring the next generation of Black actors to pursue their dreams. Bassett’s legacy is not only etched in her remarkable performances but also in her advocacy for a more inclusive and representative Hollywood.
-XXX-
Fharnell M.
