Angela Bassett is standing by her viral reaction after losing the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2023. 

Two years after the moment sparked debate, the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star is addressing the criticism and making it clear that she had every right to feel disappointed.

In a new interview with Town & Country published Thursday, Bassett reflected on the backlash she received and defended her emotional response.

“I found it interesting,” the 66-year-old actress said. “Interesting that I wouldn’t be allowed to be disappointed at an outcome where I thought I was deserving.”

Angela Bassett’s Honest Reaction to the Oscars Loss

During the 2023 Academy Awards, Bassett was nominated for her powerful performance as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. 

Many fans and critics alike believed she was a frontrunner to win. However, the award ultimately went to Jamie Lee Curtis for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

When Curtis’ name was announced, the camera panned to the nominees, capturing Bassett’s visibly disappointed expression. While some expected her to immediately applaud, she remained composed but did not hide her emotions.

Bassett now explains that after decades in the industry, she felt like her work spoke for itself.

“I have put in: put in the time, put in good work over time,” she said. “I didn’t think that was a gift. I thought it was a given.”

Fans Rally Behind Bassett

At the time, social media quickly lit up with discussions about Bassett’s reaction. Many fans defended her, arguing that it was refreshing to see someone be honest about their feelings instead of masking disappointment with a forced smile.

“Angela Bassett is allowed to be visibly disappointed that she didn’t win the Oscar,” one Twitter user wrote.

Another added, “I actually appreciate that Angela didn’t put on a face for the sake of being a ‘good sport.’”

Many pointed out that Black actresses have historically been overlooked at the Oscars, which made Bassett’s loss even more frustrating for her supporters. Despite being a legendary actress with a long and celebrated career, she has only been nominated twice—once in 1994 for What’s Love Got to Do with It and again in 2023.

A Year Later, an Honorary Oscar

While Bassett did not win the Oscar in 2023, the Academy recognized her incredible contributions to the film industry the following year. In January 2024, she received an honorary Academy Award, celebrating her decades of work and undeniable impact.

During her acceptance speech, she paid tribute to the Black actresses who paved the way for her, including Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Ruby Dee, and Rosalind Cash.

“It was standing on their strong, spiritually fortified shoulders that I often was sustained, and I thank them for every sacrifice, every doubt, every disappointment, every rejection, every triumph that I know they experienced along the way,” she said, per People.

She went on to acknowledge that their perseverance allowed her to see what was possible for her own career.

“Because had it not been for their resilience, continuing to fight through their fears and the uncertainty and their willingness as they fought for every role, I would not have had a representation of what was possible for me,” she added.

A Legacy That Goes Beyond Awards

Despite the Oscars controversy, Bassett’s influence in Hollywood remains undeniable. From her breakthrough role as Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It to her powerful performances in films like Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, she has solidified herself as one of the greatest actresses of her generation.

While awards are a significant recognition, Bassett’s legacy is defined by more than just trophies. Her work continues to inspire new generations of actors, and she remains a powerful force in the industry.

As for her Oscars loss? Bassett’s latest comments make it clear—she had every right to be disappointed, and she’s not apologizing for it.

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