Angela Bassett Announced As A Recipient Of An Honorary Oscar Award After Two Previous Nominations

After a remarkable career spanning over three decades, Angela Bassett is set to receive an honorary Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The announcement was made alongside three other esteemed recipients: Mel Brooks, Carol Littleton, and Michelle Satter.

Bassett gained recognition for her iconic portrayal of Tina Turner in "What's Love Got to Do With It?" and made history with a nomination for "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." 

Keep on reading to learn more.

Movie star and Hollywood veteran Angela Bassett is finally set to receive an honorary Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

According to the Daily Mail, The Academy made an exciting announcement on Monday, revealing that Bassett, 64, would be among the esteemed recipients of the Honorary Award. Comedy legend Mel Brooks and editor Carol Littleton are also joining her in this well-deserved recognition. In addition, the highly esteemed Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award will be bestowed upon Michelle Satter, an exceptional individual affiliated with the Sundance Institute.

Bassett's initial Oscar nomination took place in 1994, when she captivated audiences worldwide with her portrayal of the legendary Tina Turner in the celebrated biopic "What's Love Got to Do With It?"

Further cementing her incredible career, Bassett achieved a groundbreaking feat just last year. She received a historic nomination for her role in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," becoming the first actor recognized for a Marvel Studios superhero film.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will bestow the Oscar statuettes upon the four remarkable individuals at the forthcoming 14th Governors Awards event. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 18, 2023, the ceremony will be hosted at the elegant Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

Academy President Janet Yang conveyed the Board of Governors' elation in honoring these exceptional trailblazers, stating, "The Academy's Board of Governors is thrilled to honor four trailblazers who have transformed the film industry and inspired generations of filmmakers and movie fans."

"Across her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting," She continued. "Mel Brooks lights up our hearts with his humor, and his legacy has made a lasting impact on every facet of entertainment."

Yang concluded her statement, saying, "Carol Littleton's career in film editing serves as a model for those who come after her. A pillar of the independent film community, Michelle Satter has played a vital role in the careers of countless filmmakers around the world."

Despite securing Golden Globe Awards for her exceptional portrayals in "What's Love Got to Do With It" and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," Bassett faced disappointment at the Oscars as victory eluded her grasp on both occasions.

In 1994, the coveted Oscar slipped through her fingers, with the award ultimately going to Holly Hunter for her performance in "The Piano." Similarly, in another instance, Bassett found herself narrowly missing out on the prestigious accolade as Jamie Lee Curtis took home the Oscar for her work in the Best Picture-winning film "Everything Everywhere All At Once."

However, Bassett's illustrious career continues to flourish, and she is currently captivating audiences as Athena Grant on the popular Fox series "9-1-1." Furthermore, audiences eagerly anticipate the release of her upcoming film "Damsel," set to premiere in October, where she shares the screen with the talented Millie Bobby Brown and Robin Wright.

In a heartfelt tribute following the passing of music icon Tina Turner at the age of 83, Bassett shared her deep admiration and respect for the legendary performer.

Reflecting on Turner's remarkable journey, Bassett stated, "Through her courage in telling her story, her commitment to stay the course in her life, no matter the sacrifice, and her determination to carve out a space in rock and roll for herself and for others who look like her, Tina Turner showed others who lived in fear what a beautiful future filled with love, compassion, and freedom should look like."

Bassett revealed that Turner's final words to her were, "You never mimicked me. Instead, you reached deep into your soul, found your inner Tina, and showed her to the world." She added, "I shall hold these words close to my heart for the rest of my days. I am humbled to have helped show her to the world."

While mourning the loss of the "Better Be Good To Me" singer, Bassett emphasized that Turner had given more than anyone "could have ever asked" for, "She gave us her whole self."

Concluding her tribute with a heartfelt farewell, Bassett referenced Turner as a queen and envisioned angels singing her to eternal rest.