Angela Bassett has stirred up fresh controversy after recent comments about her 2023 Oscars loss reignited debates about grace and humility in Hollywood.
In an interview with Town & Country magazine, Bassett openly expressed her belief that she was “deserving” of the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Her remarks, particularly her statement that she thought the award was “a given,” have left many questioning her sense of sportsmanship and professionalism.
Bassett, who was nominated for her role as Queen Ramonda in the Marvel sequel, lost to Jamie Lee Curtis for Everything Everywhere All at Once. When Curtis’ name was announced, Bassett’s visibly stoic reaction quickly went viral, sparking mixed reactions online. Now, her candid remarks have only added fuel to the fire.
Angela Bassett’s viral reaction when she lost the Best Supporting Actress Oscar to Jamie Lee Curtis in 2023 – YouTube, New York Post
“I found it interesting,” Bassett told Town & Country, referring to both the loss and the social media uproar surrounding her reaction. “Interesting that I wouldn’t be allowed to be disappointed at an outcome where I thought I was deserving.”
While disappointment is natural in any competitive field, Bassett’s comments struck many as tone-deaf. Suggesting that her win was “a given” not only dismisses Curtis’ achievement but also paints Bassett as entitled. In an industry where countless actors give career-defining performances only to walk away empty-handed, assuming victory undermines the hard work and talent of fellow nominees.
“I love applauding people,” Bassett continued. “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.”
Angela Bassett in Wakanda Forever – YouTube, One Ticket TV
This statement has drawn criticism for its implication that she saw herself as more deserving than Curtis, who ultimately took home the Oscar. It feeds into a narrative that Bassett struggled to accept the outcome with grace, a notion further reinforced by her viral reaction during the ceremony.
While Angela Bassett has previously spoken about the importance of handling disappointment with dignity—especially in front of her children, who accompanied her to the Oscars—her recent comments seem to contradict that message. Speaking to Oprah last year, she admitted, “It was, of course, a supreme disappointment, and disappointment is human. So I thought, yes, I was disappointed and I handled it like a human being.”
Angela Bassett shares the “supreme disappointment” from not winning the Oscars last year. Jamie Lee Curtis ended up winning her category. 🤐🥲 pic.twitter.com/vdwlPTut08
— Vince (@vincentlao18) March 7, 2024
But many are now questioning whether she truly handled the moment with the grace she previously claimed. Her candid admission that she viewed the win as a certainty suggests an inflated sense of self-worth, a sentiment that hasn’t sat well with some fans and industry insiders.
Bassett’s career has been marked by critical acclaim and groundbreaking roles, including her Oscar-nominated portrayal of Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do With It back in 1994. Ironically, despite her disappointment in 2023, Bassett was later awarded an Honorary Oscar in 2024, a recognition of her contributions to the industry.
Angela Bassett in Wakanda Forever – YouTube, One Ticket TV
In Hollywood, where public perception is everything, handling loss with humility often speaks louder than the award itself. And in this case, Angela Bassett’s words may have spoken louder than she intended.
What do you think of Angela Bassett’s comments about the Oscars? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!
