(Courtesy: Oscars/YouTube, @im.angelabassett/Instagram)
Regina King presented Angela Bassett with an honorary Oscar, which also makes Bassett the second Black actress in history to receive the award.
Angela Bassett was presented at the 14th Governors Awards by her friend Regina King with an honorary Oscar for her contributions.
“Tonight I have the honour of presenting an Academy Award to a national treasure,” King said. “The incomparable Angela Bassett in case you all didn’t know,” she added.
This marks the second time in history that the award has been presented to a Black actress since Cicely Tysoon back in 2018.
She also paid homage to other Black actresses in the film industry, such as Jennifer Hudson, Regina King, Viola Davis, Mo’Nique, Lupita Nyong’o, Octavia Spencer and Ariana DeBose.
“This honour isn’t just or about me, what I hope this moment means is that we are taking the necessary steps toward a future in which it is the norm, not the exception to see and embrace one another’s full humanity, stories and perspectives,” she said.
“This must be our goal and to always remember that there is room for us all when we stand together, we win together,” Bassett added.
Bassett also posted on Instagram holding her award and captioned it, “Tonight was a very good night!”
Other stars commented praising the Black Panther star such as Halle Berry, Kerry Washington, Blitz Bazawule, Sherrie Shepherd and many more.
“I proudly share this honour with women who stand up when they are told to stand back, who speak up when they are silenced, who remain determined when they are told they are defeated,” Bassett said.
“These women represent those that I’ve had the honour to portray as well as the everyday woman who surround us and inspire us to keep striving,” Bassett said.
The Black Panther star also was nominated for two Oscars in 1993 for her leading role as Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in 2022.
The Governors Awards also presented Honorary Oscars to Mel Brooks and Carol Littleton.
