Angela Bassett may be one of the most revered and highly decorated actresses of all time. However, for the length and breadth of her illustrious career, one particular honor remained missing from her mantel: an Oscar.
That is all set to change, though. Because the 64-year-old leads the freshly unveiled list of names who will be bestowed with honorary trophies from the Academy.
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Bafflingly, not only had Bassett not won the coveted prize, but the gap between her two nominations was a jaw-dropping 29 years. This, despite the lengthy list of stellar performances she has delivered across a range of roles.
Today, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that Bassett – along with Mel Brooks, Michelle Satter, and Carol Littleton – will receive Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Awards. The quad will be presented with the honors at the 14th annual ceremony on November 14 in Los Angeles.
While received in a non-competitive capacity, the award is indeed still an Oscar and will see Bassett officially become an “Oscar winner.”
Academy President Janet Yang said in a statement:
“The Academy’s Board of Governors is thrilled to honor four trailblazers who have transformed the film industry and inspired generations of filmmakers and movie fans.
Across her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting.
Mel Brooks lights up our hearts with his humor, and his legacy has made a lasting impact on every facet of entertainment. Carol Littleton’s career in film editing serves as a model for those who come after her. A pillar of the independent film community, Michelle Satter has played a vital role in the careers of countless filmmakers around the world.”
Congrats Angela!
Like many, we definitely feel she’s been overlooked and has been “the” worthiest winner on each of the occasions she’s been nominated.
In any case, the sentence “Angela Bassett – Oscar winner” is way overdue and we’re here for it.
Check out That Grape Juice‘s recent interview with Ms. Bassett, in which she opens up about receiving her flowers.