Angela Bassett Reflects on Oscar Loss to Jamie Lee Curtis: “I Found It Interesting…”

Angela Bassett, a revered actress known for her commanding presence and powerful performances, recently opened up about her reaction to losing the Best Supporting Actress Oscar at the 2023 Academy Awards.

Bassett was nominated for her emotional and critically acclaimed portrayal of Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, a performance that earned widespread praise. However, the award ultimately went to Jamie Lee Curtis for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

In an interview with Town & Country, Bassett candidly shared her thoughts on the moment and the public’s reaction to her response. “I found it interesting that I wouldn’t be allowed to be disappointed at an outcome where I thought I was deserving,” she said. “I love applauding people. But in that moment… No, 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 struck a chord with many who understood the depth of her dedication to her craft. With a career spanning over four decades, including iconic performances in What’s Love Got to Do with It, Malcolm X, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and The Rosa Parks Story, Bassett’s work has long been recognized as exemplary.

A Moment That Sparked Conversation

During the televised Oscar ceremony, as Curtis’s name was announced as the winner, cameras captured Bassett’s reaction—a composed but visibly disappointed expression. This moment quickly went viral, sparking debates across social media. Some criticized her for not masking her emotions, while others defended her, arguing that it was a natural and understandable reaction to losing an award she had long been seen as the frontrunner for.

Supporters flooded social media with messages of encouragement, with one fan posting, “Angela Bassett is allowed to feel however she wants. She has given Hollywood nothing but excellence for decades.” Another wrote, “I actually appreciate that she didn’t force a fake smile. She’s human. She wanted it. And that’s okay.”

The discussion surrounding Bassett’s reaction also highlighted broader conversations about Black women in Hollywood and the double standards they often face when it comes to expressing emotions. Many pointed out that disappointment is a natural response to any competitive loss, especially in a field as demanding as the entertainment industry.

The Road to Recognition

Despite not taking home the Oscar that night, Bassett’s incredible contributions to the film industry were soon honored in another significant way. In January 2024, she was awarded an honorary Academy Award, recognizing her lifelong dedication to cinema and her powerful impact on storytelling.

During her acceptance speech, she reflected on her journey, paying homage to the Black actresses who paved the way for her success. “It was standing on their strong, proud shoulders that I was able to climb and claim my place in this industry,” she said. The honorary Oscar, though not a competitive win, was seen by many as a long-overdue acknowledgment of her immense talent and cultural influence.

Moving Forward With Strength and Grace

Angela Bassett remains an unstoppable force in Hollywood. She recently joined the cast of Netflix’s upcoming political thriller Zero Day, starring alongside Robert De Niro. Even as she continues to expand her already impressive filmography, she remains a role model for resilience, authenticity, and artistic integrity.

Reflecting on her career, Bassett emphasized the importance of perseverance. “Disappointments are a part of life,” she said in a follow-up interview. “But they don’t define you. What defines you is how you continue to move forward, how you keep pushing, how you lift others up along the way.”

Her words serve as a testament to her enduring spirit, reminding aspiring actors and fans alike that while awards are a great honor, they are not the ultimate measure of one’s worth or talent. Angela Bassett’s legacy is already written in Hollywood history, and she continues to shine, with or without an Oscar in hand.