It’s official. Angela Bassett has been named as one of three esteemed actors who will receive an honorary Oscar at this year’s Governors Awards, according to a statement by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Basset is expected to receive the honor alongside Mel Brooks and Carol Littleton who will all receive the award at the 14th annual ceremony in Los Angeles this November. Additionally, the Sundance Institute’s Michelle Satter will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
“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,” said Academy President Janet Yang. “Across her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting.
She continued: “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.”
The Honorary Award is “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or outstanding service to the Academy.”
For over 40 years, Bassett has become one of Hollywood’s most prized actresses, specifically for her role as Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do With It and as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. In the latter role, she won her second nomination for supporting actress, making history as the first Marvel Studios film actor and first woman from a superhero movie to be recognized in the award realm.
Other movies she starred in that gained critical acclaim include Boyz N the Hood, Malcolm X, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Mission: Impossible — Fallout and Soul.
Bassett has also been nominated with seven Emmys, including her contribution to The Jacksons: An American Dream, The Rosa Parks Story, and American Horror Story.
Congratulations, Angela!
