Angela Bassett recently opened up about her disappointment over losing the 2023 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress to Jamie Lee Curtis. 

The 66-year-old actress, who was nominated for her powerful portrayal of Queen Ramonda in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” lost to Curtis, 

who won for her role as Deirdre Beaubeirdre in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

When Curtis’ name was announced, Bassett’s reaction became a viral topic of discussion, with many noting her visible disappointment. 

In a candid conversation with Oprah Winfrey, Bassett revealed she was taken aback not only by the loss but also by the intense online scrutiny of her reaction.

“I found it interesting,” she told Town & Country in an interview published Thursday. 

“Interesting that I wouldn’t be allowed to be disappointed at an outcome where I thought I was deserving.”

Bassett, known for her grace and professionalism, explained that she fully believed in the work she had done for the role and thought recognition would naturally follow. “I love applauding people. But in that moment …” she admitted, acknowledging that she had expected a different outcome. After pausing to reflect, she reaffirmed her belief in the effort she had put into her career.

“No, I have put in: put in the time, put in good work over time,” she asserted. “I didn’t think that was a gift. I thought it was a given.”

Though she did not take home the Oscar that night, Bassett was later honored by the Academy in 2024 with an honorary Oscar, a recognition of her outstanding contributions to the film industry.

Currently, Bassett is taking on a significant role in Netflix’s political thriller series “Zero Day,” starring alongside Hollywood legend Robert De Niro. In the series, she portrays Evelyn Mitchell, the President of the United States, while De Niro, 81, plays a former president. The two actors previously worked together in the 2001 crime thriller “The Score.”

Speaking about her experience working with De Niro again, Bassett shared, “Being intimidated by him is easy. He’s so serious, all business. We don’t waste any of his time. You want to show up and be ready to go.” The series also features an ensemble cast that includes Joan Allen, Dan Stevens, Lizzy Caplan, and Matthew Modine.

Bassett’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. She first gained widespread recognition in 1993 for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the biographical drama “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” Her incredible performance in the film earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Reflecting on the experience decades later, Bassett recalled the intense preparation required for the role.

“You got up at five in the morning, went to the gym to work out for two and a half hours,” she told Variety. “Then you would head to Michael Peters and learn routines — which were all intense cardio — for about 10 hours. Ten hours! You had to be so focused and so determined. Pain was irrelevant. Fear was real, and physical pain and torture were just going to be a part of it. Every part of your body hurt, and there was no time to eat anything.”

Playing Tina Turner was a role Bassett did not take lightly. She described it as “a huge responsibility” and emphasized the importance of capturing the singer’s resilience, strength, and personal struggles.

“Telling the story of Tina and Ike, this relationship and the resiliency of this woman — the frailties, the strength, and the brilliance of these two individuals who made such a profound impact during their time together and apart,” she said.

Beyond her film career, Bassett has made a lasting impact on television as well. Since 2018, she has played Sergeant Athena Grant-Nash on the hit ABC procedural drama “9-1-1.” She has also appeared in multiple seasons of “American Horror Story” since joining the anthology series in 2013.

Looking back on her journey, Bassett admitted she never envisioned herself starring in a procedural series. “I never thought about doing a procedural. I never thought about doing a series, really,” she shared with Town & Country.

Despite her initial reservations, her role in “9-1-1” has become one of her most beloved performances, further cementing her status as a Hollywood powerhouse. With an illustrious career spanning decades and a reputation for delivering unforgettable performances, Angela Bassett remains one of the most respected and admired actresses in the industry.

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