It happened. The Oscars came and went, and for a second time, Angela Bassett has been snubbed. The decorated thespian was up for Best Supporting Actress in the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Despite delivering a powerful performance layered with grief, she was beaten out by fellow legend Jamie Lee Curtis. Unfortunately, some feel that Bassett’s frustration at losing was visible on her face when Curtis went up to accept her award.
Angela Bassett’s reaction to Jamie Lee Curtis’ name being called…you can tell how much that Oscar would have meant to her. she is, was, and always will be incredible. I better see her on that stage SOON pic.twitter.com/oHDfuDUksG
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) March 13, 2023
The Oscars belonged to the cast of Everything Everywhere All at Once. The multiverse adventure took home awards for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. Jamie Lee Curtis played one of the film’s antagonists, taking home the Best Supporting Actress award and beating out Bassett who was a shoo-in. It’s been over two decades since Angela was last nominated for an Oscar. The last time was in the ’90s for her portrayal of Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do With It. Since then, she has been historically overlooked by the award show despite delivering powerful performances as some of the most important women in history. From Betty Shabazz to Rosa Parks.
The moment seemed perfect for Angela to win. Presenting the Oscar was Ariana Debose, who recently went viral for her Bafta performance where she famously sang, “Angela Bassett did the thing.” In a split screen, you can see Angela and the various nominees watching excitedly. Jamie Lee Curtis and her Everything co-star Stephanie Hsu were nominated alongside Hong Chau, Kerry Condon, and Bassett. While most of the women smiled in anxious anticipation, Bassett looked the most nervous.
Jamie Lee appeared immediately shocked by her win as you could see her lips saying, “oh sh**.” Stephanie immediately jumped up to hug her while Kerry and Hong looked over happily. Bassett remained transfixed on the stage, visibly disappointed and unable to applaud or cheer for Jamie. Folks online supported Angela in being disappointed, and many tried to uplift her on social media. “She said the quiet part out loud—Black women are always expected to perform. I’m glad Angela Bassett allowed herself to be a human being in spite of what the withering whites like this one would say,” said one fan.
Jonathan Majors and Michael B. Jordan saying “Hey, Auntie. We love you” to Angela Bassett as they approach the stage…I love them pic.twitter.com/1obirdOKOt
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) March 13, 2023
Jonathan Majors and Michael B. Jordan showed love to Angela Bassett when the duo took the stage to present the award for Best Cinematography.
