Someone get Ariana DeBose, because Angela Bassett finally did what she did: she won an Oscar.
The star of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “What's Love Got to Do With It” received the first Academy Award of his career at the 2024 Governors Awards on Tuesday night. Bassett, who was previously nominated for the aforementioned projects, received an honorary Oscar along with comedy legend Mel Brooks and film editor Carol Littleton.
“For me, this is not just another award, it is a testament to my legacy,” Bassett said during his acceptance speech. “This trophy represents my contributions to this medium of film, everything I have given of my mind and spirit as an actress who is a black woman.”
Bassett received the honorary Oscar from his “Boyz n the Hood” co-star Regina King. King, an Oscar winner and longtime friend of Bassett, praised the 65-year-old star, whom she described as a “national treasure,” for her long-lasting career and iconic roles.
In 1994, Bassett earned her first Oscar nomination for “What's Love Got to Do With It,” where she played the late dynamo Tina Turner. King said she rewatches Brian Gibson's film annually and that Bassett's memorable performance as Turner speaks to the lasting impact of her work.
“Angela has had a career for centuries and I swear she's ageless,” King added. The “Watchmen” star continued the introduction by celebrating Bassett for her off-screen talent, saying, “She is artistic excellence embodied in human form.”
After King's moving speech, Bassett reciprocated the love by hugging her friend and briefly kissing her on the lips, which sparked various reactions from netizens.
“So Regina King can get a kiss from Angela Bassett but I can't? “That's so unfair.” wrote a user of X (formerly Twitter).
“I don't know what Angela Bassett and Regina King were going through…. But no matter how happy, excited and proud my friends feel…. “Don’t kiss me,” said the second X. user.
Angela Bassett, left, kisses Regina King, who presented her with the honorary Oscar at the 2024 Governors Awards in Los Angeles.
(Chris Pizzello / Invisión / Associated Press)
In his powerful 15-minute speech, Bassett thanked his family, his collaborators and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the honor. Bassett, the second Black actress to win an honorary Oscar (the late star Cicely Tyson received hers in 2018), reflected on what the award means for the future of Black performers in Hollywood. She listed all the black women who have won competitive Oscars, from Hattie McDaniel to Halle Berry, praising them as “beacons of possibility.” Bassett also credited “West Side Story” Oscar winner DeBose, who shouted out the “Strange Days” star in her viral rap at the 2023 BAFTAs.
“What I hope this moment means is that we are taking necessary steps toward a future where it is the norm rather than the exception to see and embrace the full humanity, stories, and perspectives of others,” Bassett continued. “When we are together, we win together.”
