Angela Bassett went viral overnight after receiving a long overdue honor and sharing a moment with Regina King on stage.
Bassett grew her career accolades when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognized her film industry contributions with an honorary Oscar. Angela was presented with the award at the academy’s Governor’s Awards on Tuesday (Jan. 9) in Hollywood, California.
This marks her first Oscar, despite acting since the late 1980s. It also comes less than a year after Bassett lost the ‘Best Support Actress’ Oscar to Jamie Lee Curtis. Angela’s nomination was for her reprised Queen Ramonda role in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ while Lee’s nomination was for her ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ role.
RELATED: Fans In Uproar After Angela Bassett Loses Oscar To Jamie Lee Curtis
Bassett didn’t immediately react to the loss. However, her presumed ‘disappointed’ face during the show’s live taping sent social users into defense mode. Many labeled the moment a snub.
Angela Bassett Delivers Powerful Speech During Honorary Oscar Acceptance
But, on Tuesday, Angela Bassett got her opportunity to shine! She delivered a powerful speech. She thanked Black actresses who excelled before her, such as Diahann Carroll and Cicely Tyson.
“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,” Angela 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.”
Bassett also reminded folks of the importance of standing together.
“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…This must be our goal, and to always remember that there is room for us all. When we stand together, we win together.”
Swipe below for a recap of Tuesday’s win.
For context, the honorary Oscar is meant to “honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion pictures arts and sciences or for outstanding service to the Academy.” According to PEOPLE, Samuel L. Jackson and Jackie Chan are on the list of past recipients. At Tuesday’s show, Mel Brooks and Carol Littleton also received honorary Oscars.
Watch Angela’s full speech below.
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Angela Bassett & Regina King Share Friendly Kiss
Before Angela Bassett accepted her honorary Oscar, fellow actress and former co-star Regina King honored her legacy with an intro speech.
She called Bassett a “national treasure,” revealing how the actress has “mesmerized us in over 100 roles.” King even joked that Angela should run for president with her acting experience as a politician.
“Bottom line, Angela has lived a career for the ages and I swear she is ageless. Truly, beyond Angela’s talent is something that everyone that has worked with her will share with you. Work with her on set and you become her friend for life. She has stitched a sisterhood that exists simply because of who she is as a woman and a human being.”
After the heartwarming introduction, the ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’ stars embraced on stage. When they pulled apart, Angela planted a kiss on King’s lips.
Angela then approached the podium and thanked Regina for being a “source of support, and encouragement and joy” on this night. She paid Regina her flowers, saying working with her has been “one of the highlights” of her career.
After the speech and smooth went viral, social media users chimed in on the display of sisterhood.
Regina King is a gem. Who else could've presented Angela Bassett's Honorary Oscar non other than Regina King! Touching speech. 🥹 https://t.co/r7buPvXhxN
— Elliott Bullock II (@Elliott_Bull2) January 10, 2024
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Angela Bassett Walked The Red Carpet With Her Husband & Children
Despite planting a friendly smooch on Regina King, Angela was accompanied by her entire family to the event.
She slayed the red carpet in a partially sheer, jewel-encrusted mermaid gown by Dolce & Gabbana. According to Fashion Bomb Daily, Jennifer Austin styled the star, pairing the deep cream dress with Angela’s natural afro parted to the side. She accessorized the look with drop diamond earrings and soft glam makeup.
As mentioned, Angela also posed on the carpet with her husband of 26 years, Courtney Vance, and their children Slater Josiah Vance and Bronwyn Golden Vance.
