2023 in Review: Angela Bassett STILL Did The Thing All Year Long (Despite That OSCAR Snub)

For reasons good, bad, ugly, and everything in between, 2023 was one for the books!

As the year draws to a close, That Grape Juice is reflecting on the occasions that rocked – and to some degree – maybe even reshaped the Urban and Pop cultural landscape as we know it.

Next, we’re hailing the helluva year the Queen of hearts (and Wakanda) Angela Bassett had!

Angela Bassett may be one of the most revered actresses in movie and television history, but – despite the critical acclaim she’s garnered over the last three decades – major industry honors (i.e. EMMY, Academy Award, etc.) have often eluded her.

That status seemed poised to change in 2023 as critics continued to heap praise on screen legend for her portrayal of Queen Ramonda in 2022’s blockbuster film ‘Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever.’

Seemingly dominating the award season with nominations at the SAG Awards, BAFTAs (where Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose infamously birthed the phrase “Angela Bassett did the thing”), and more, the 65-year-old’s wins included history-making triumphs at the BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Critics Choice Awards, and Golden Globe Awards respectively.

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For many, the victories signaled Angela would be a shoo-in for a much-deserved Academy Award – a win that would arrive nearly 30 years after her 1994 Best Actress snub for the portrayal of Queen of Rock N’ Roll Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’

That night ended unceremoniously for Bassett, however, as the statuette was given to fellow screen legend Jamie Lee Curtis.

Uproar ensued as a result, with some pointing to the Academy’s history of not acknowledging stellar performances among actors of color while others criticized Angela for her response to the loss (deemed by many as unsportsmanlike).

Angela Bassett & Marvel Fans ERUPT After Screen Diva Loses Best Supporting Actress at 95th Annual OSCARs

‘Sore Loser’ or ‘Justified’?: Angela Bassett’s Reaction To Jamie Lee Curtis OSCAR Upset Ignites Twitter Debate

Eventually, Angie got news she will indeed be getting an Academy Award after all next year.

Finally! Angela Bassett to Receive Oscar as Academy Announces Honorary 2023 Winners

[main photo sources: Getty Images/FilmMagic/WireImages/AP Photos]