Angela Bassett calls Oscar loss a ‘Supreme Disappointment’

Angela Bassett Tells All About Her Disappointment About Her Oscar Snub in 2024

Angela Bassett has opened up about her disappointment over losing the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2023, stating that she believed her win for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was a “given.” The iconic actress sat down with Town & Country magazine to discuss her decades-long career, the impact of her work, and the emotions she felt when she did not take home the Oscar.

Angela Bassett on the Oscar Snub: ‘I Thought It Was a Given’

Bassett was widely praised for her portrayal of Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, a role that earned her a Golden Globe and a Critics’ Choice Award. Despite being the frontrunner for the Academy Award, she lost to Jamie Lee Curtis for Everything Everywhere All at Once. It was a decision that sparked discussions about industry bias and representation.

Reflecting on the moment, Bassett said:

“I found it interesting that I wouldn’t be allowed to be disappointed at an outcome where I thought I was deserving. I have put in the time, put in good work over time. I didn’t think that was a gift. I thought it was a given.”

Her reaction at the ceremony—stoic and composed—quickly went viral. As a result, fans expressed their frustration that she was not awarded the Oscar. Now, people still have a lot to say about it. That speaks volumes, seeing how it’s been two years.

A Historic Nomination for Marvel

Bassett’s nomination for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was historic. Therefore, making her the first actor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to be nominated for an Oscar. Prior to the Academy Awards, her wins at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards positioned her as a leading contender. However the competition remained open after Curtis won the SAG Award and Kerry Condon took home the BAFTA for The Banshees of Inisherin.

The loss was a reminder of how unpredictable awards season can be, despite a clear narrative forming around a particular nominee’s chances. As a result, Angela Bassett explained her situation.

“I was gobsmacked! I was,” Bassett told Oprah in an interview last year. “I thought I handled it very well. That was my intention, to handle it very well. It was, of course, a supreme disappointment, and disappointment is human.”

Ultimately, Bassett made it clear her overall goal was to remain classy. So, she did just that.

Handling Disappointment with Grace

Bassett admitted that she was disappointed. However, she emphasized the importance of carrying herself with dignity, especially in front of her children. After all, they attended the ceremony with her.

“There are going to be these moments of disappointment that you’ll experience, but how do you handle yourself in the midst of them? We’re going to smile, we’re going to be gracious, we’re going to be kind, we’re going to party anyway,” she shared.

Bassett’s ability to maintain her composure despite the setback resonated deeply with her fans and industry peers alike. Therefore, reinforcing her status as a role model both on and off the screen.

Looking Back at a Legendary Career

Prior to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Bassett had only been nominated for an Oscar once before, in 1994 for What’s Love Got to Do With It. Her portrayal of Tina Turner in the biopic won her a Golden Globe. However, she lost the Academy Award to Holly Hunter for The Piano.

Despite these setbacks, Bassett’s career has been filled with critically acclaimed performances. She has worked alongside legendary actors such as Cicely Tyson, James Earl Jones, and Ruby Dee. All of whom are people she credits as inspirations. “The opportunity to meet them, to work with some of them, to break bread with them has been incredible,” she said.

Bassett has also been doing primetime, with 911, for the better part of a decade. She is a part of an ongoing trend of movie stars doing primetime. So, Bassett’s career continues right on ABC every week.

Bassett’s Approach to Acting and Selecting Roles

Throughout her career, Bassett has carefully chosen roles that challenge her and allow her to bring something unique to the screen. She emphasized that she selects projects based on whether they will stretch her as an actor. In addition, what will allow her to work with others who inspire her.

“If I think I can bring something unique and powerful to a role, if it will stretch me in a way that helps me grow, then it’s something I consider,” she explained.

One of her most challenging roles was What’s Love Got to Do With It. It required her to prepare emotionally, physically, and mentally in just 30 days. “It was going to be difficult, but instead of saying difficult, I saw it as a challenge. And I am a woman who is up for a challenge.”

Choices such as those are what made Bassett a household name. Now, all of her roles command attention.

Embracing the Internet’s Love for Her Work

Bassett has maintained a strong presence in pop culture, with fans constantly celebrating her work online. She acknowledged that she was amused by viral moments, including Ariana DeBose’s BAFTA rap where she famously said, “Angela Bassett did the thing.”

“I was tickled by it. I thought it was wonderful,” she said, adding that she reached out to DeBose to show her appreciation. “It actually became the first time that I slid into someone’s DMs.”

Bassett also uses social media to amplify causes that are important to her, saying, “I hope that it would bring some awareness to others because once you’re aware, then you can make choices about whether you want to get involved.”

A Lasting Legacy

Despite not taking home the Oscar, Bassett’s impact on Hollywood remains undeniable. Her performances continue to inspire, and her grace in handling setbacks sets an example for future generations of actors.

Bassett was recognized with an Honorary Academy Award in 2024, an acknowledgment of her contributions to the industry. Unfortunately, it was not the competitive Oscar win she had hoped for. However, it cemented her status as one of the most influential and respected figures in entertainment.

“Sometimes you just have to drown out the noise,” she said. “You shut it down, close it off, replenish yourself so that you’re strong and ready to take on the next challenge of your life.”

As she looks ahead, Bassett remains dedicated to storytelling, activism, and inspiring the next generation of performers. Whether or not she holds an Oscar, her legacy is firmly established as one of the greatest actresses of her time.