Angela Bassett is speaking her truth about that heartbreaking moment at the 2023 Academy Awards. The legendary actress, best known for her powerful roles and undeniable presence, got real about how she felt after losing the Best Supporting Actress Oscar to Jamie Lee Curtis.
In her cover story for Town & Country’s March issue, Bassett didn’t hold back. She revealed that she was surprised by the backlash she received for being visibly disappointed when Curtis’ name was called instead of hers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
“I found it interesting … that I wouldn’t be allowed to be disappointed at an outcome where I thought I was deserving,” Bassett said.
And let’s be clear—Bassett didn’t say she wasn’t happy for Curtis. She just admitted that, in the moment, it hurt.
“I love applauding people. But in that moment … I have put in: 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 words hit deep for many, especially in Hollywood’s Black community, where actors often get overlooked despite decades of undeniable talent.
Angela Bassett Admits Feeling ‘Supreme Disappointment’ After 2023 Oscars Loss
Angela Bassett’s Legacy: More Than Just an Award
Even though she didn’t take home the golden statue that night, Angela Bassett’s career is anything but overlooked. The What’s Love Got to Do with It star had already made history long before that Oscar moment.
Bassett first got nominated for an Academy Award almost 30 years ago for playing Tina Turner in 1993. And while she didn’t win then either, that performance cemented her as one of the greatest actresses of her time.
In 2024, however, the Academy finally gave her her flowers—kind of. Bassett received an Honorary Oscar, recognizing her contributions to film over the years. And as always, she used her moment to uplift everyone who paved the way before her.
“They were my North Star, my guiding light, proof that while the road may not be without curves and bumps, there was a way to fulfill what I believed deep in my soul was my destiny,” she said while accepting the award.
She then gave a heartfelt shoutout to trailblazing Black actresses like Ruby Dee, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson, and Rosalind Cash, acknowledging the sacrifices they made so she could stand in that moment.
Why Angela Bassett’s Words Hit Harder Than Ever
Angela Bassett’s reaction to losing the Oscar wasn’t just about her—it was about what it represented. Black women in Hollywood have had to fight tooth and nail for recognition, even when they are the most deserving.
Think about it:
Halle Berry remains the only Black woman to ever win Best Actress at the Oscars.
Viola Davis, Regina King, and Lupita Nyong’o had to grind for years before getting their due recognition.
So many legendary Black actresses, like Taraji P. Henson and Alfre Woodard, still haven’t received their deserved Oscar wins.
So when Bassett says she thought it was a given that she would win, she wasn’t being arrogant—she was stating facts. It should have been her moment.
And while she continues to be graceful, her experience is a reminder that Hollywood still has a long way to go in truly valuing Black talent.