Angela Bassett added another accolade to her shelf at the 14th Governors Awards, where she received an honorary Oscar for her contribution to the film industry.
While accepting the award on stage, Bassett, 65, used part of her speech to give a shout-out to “pioneering” black actresses who came before her, such as Ruby Dee, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Rosalind Cash. “They were my North Star, my guiding light, proof that while the road may not be without twists and turns, there is a way to fulfill what I believed deep down was my destiny,” she said.
“I have often been supported by standing on their strong, spiritually strengthened shoulders, and I thank them for every sacrifice, every doubt, every disappointment, every rejection, every triumph that I know they have experienced along the way,” Bassett continued. “Because if it wasn’t for their resilience, continuing to fight through their fears and uncertainty and their willingness as they fought for every role, I wouldn’t have the picture of what’s possible for me.”
“But this honor is not just for me or about me,” she continued. “I hope this moment means we are taking the necessary steps toward a future where it is the norm, not the exception, to see and embrace each other’s full humanity, stories, and perspectives.”
Bassett added: “This has to be our goal and always remember that there is room for all of us. When we stand together, we win together.”
Angela Bassett accepts an honorary Oscar at the 14th annual Governor’s Awards in Los Angeles on January 9, 2024.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Angela Bassett shines like an Oscar statuette on the red carpet for the Governor’s Awards
During her lengthy speech, Bassett also pointed out how few black women have won a Best Actress Oscar (only Halle Berry) and gave props to fellow black actresses “who are making history in our industry,” including Jennifer Hudson, Regina King, Viola Davis, Mo ‘Nique, Lupita Nyong’o, Octavia Spencer and Ariana DeBose.
“To my fellow black actresses, fill your hearts with courage and strength, because no matter what you think or see or feel, your contribution matters,” Bassett said. “Take comfort in knowing that your performances have given hope, offered a different perspective and, for others, just pure joy in a time of need. Never let fear, frustration or disappointment get in the way of the blessings that are divinely and rightfully yours. Remember who you are and what our ancestors wanted you to be – for us to be.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“I proudly share this honor with women who stand up when they are told to stand down, who speak up when they are silenced, who remain determined when they are told they are defeated,” she added. “These women represent those I have had the honor of portraying, as well as the everyday women who surround us and inspire us to keep striving.”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on June 26, 2023 that Bassett, along with actor-director Mel Brooks and film editor Carol Littleton, would receive honorary Oscars at a ceremony originally scheduled for November 18.
“Throughout her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting,” Academy President Janet Yang said in a press release at the time.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(599x0:601x2)/Angela-Bassett-Reflects-on-Black-Film-History-While-Accepting-Honorary-Oscar-011024-2-7154441343fd4ec2bccc35f3e835703d.jpg)
Angela Bassett at the 14th Annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles on January 9, 2024.
Unique Nicole/FilmMagic
Mel Brooks accepts honorary Oscar after Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick serenades him: ‘I won’t sell this one’
Bassett previously earned two Academy Award nominations. In 1993, she received the award for best actress for her portrayal of Tina Turner in What does love have to do with it. Her performance as Queen Ramonda in 2022 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever it earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Some of her other notable film roles include Betty Shabazz in Spike Lee’s 1992 biographical drama. Malcolm Xas well as Bernadine in the 1995 romantic drama Waiting for exhalation.
The Academy’s honorary Oscar comes on the heels of a successful year during the awards season for Bassett, who also won a 2023 Golden Globe, as well as BAFTA and SAG nominations for her performance in the film Black panther continuation.
Voted on by the Academy’s Board of Trustees, the honorary Oscar is “awarded in honor of outstanding distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture art and science, or for outstanding service to the Academy.”
Previous winners of the award include Tyson, Samuel L. Jackson, Donald Sutherland and Jackie Chan.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education