Angela Bassett has no apologies for her raw, viral reaction at the Oscars 2023 after losing to Jamie Lee Curtis. In a recent interview with Town & Country, the Black Panther star reflected on the awards ceremony and defended her visibly disappointed expression when she didn’t win. Bassett, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her powerful performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, shared her thoughts on the moment, emphasizing that her disappointment was valid. “I found it interesting,” she said, “that I wouldn’t be allowed to be disappointed at an outcome where I thought I was deserving.” Her words highlight a larger conversation about the expectation of gratitude and the suppression of genuine emotion in high-stakes situations like the Oscars.
For Bassett, her reaction wasn’t about being unsportsmanlike or ungracious; it was about acknowledging the hard work she had put into her craft. “I love applauding people,” she clarified. “But in that moment…” She paused, leaving room for the complexity of her emotions. Bassett, now 66, has built a career on excellence, delivering iconic performances over decades. “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,” she added. Her statement underscores the idea that recognition for one’s work shouldn’t feel like a favor or a surprise but rather a acknowledgment of dedication and talent.
The Oscars moment in question occurred when Jamie Lee Curtis won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. As the camera panned to the nominees, including Bassett, Kerry Condon, Hong Chau, and Stephanie Hsu, Bassett’s visible disappointment sparked widespread discussion. While some criticized her for not hiding her feelings, many fans came to her defense. “Angela Bassett is allowed to be visibly disappointed that she didn’t win the Oscar,” one social media user wrote. Another added, “I actually appreciate that Angela didn’t put on a face for the sake of being a ‘good sport.’” The outpouring of support for Bassett speaks to the public’s appreciation for authenticity and the tiredness of performative politeness.
Bassett’s career is a testament to her enduring talent and resilience. With two Oscar nominations and a body of work that includes films like Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, she has solidified her legacy as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses. In January 2024, she was honored with an honorary Academy Award for her contributions to the film industry. During her acceptance speech, Bassett paid a heartfelt tribute to the Black actresses who paved the way for her, including Ruby Dee, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson, and Rosalind Cash. “It was standing on their strong, spiritually fortified shoulders that I often was sustained,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude. “I thank them for every sacrifice, every doubt, every disappointment, every rejection, every triumph that I know they experienced along the way.”
Bassett’s speech not only celebrated her own achievements but also highlighted the struggles and triumphs of those who came before her. “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,” she said. Her words are a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the impact that trailblazers have on future generations. By honoring these women, Bassett’s speech became a moment of healing and solidarity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their journeys in an industry that has historically been fraught with inequality.
In the end, Bassett’s Oscars reaction and her subsequent reflections offer a broader commentary on the intersection of race, meritocracy, and emotion in Hollywood. Her willingness to be vulnerable and authentic in the face of disappointment challenges the expectation that people, especially women and people of color, should maintain a stoic demeanor in public. By embracing her humanity, Bassett reminds us that it’s okay to feel, to struggle, and to acknowledge the weight of our efforts. Her story, both on and off the screen, is one of resilience, grace, and the enduring power of truth.
