“I handled it like a human being”

Angela Bassett is still explaining her reaction to losing at last year’s Oscars, a shot that went viral in the days that followed.

In a new interview with Oprah Winfrey, Bassett discussed her Best Supporting Actress performance as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Bassett was the first actor in any category to receive an Oscar nomination for his performance in a Marvel Cinematic Universe film. Bassett won a Critics’ Choice Award and a Golden Globe for Wakanda foreverso a victory at the Oscars was expected.

Jamie Lee Curtis won the award for her work on Everything everywhere, everything at the same time. “I thought I handled it very well and that was my intention: to handle it very well,” Bassett said. “It was, of course, a supreme disappointment, and disappointment is human, so yes, I was disappointed and I handled it like a human being.”

Winfrey claimed she didn’t understand why Bassett’s reaction to Curtis’ victory went viral. “I didn’t get the whole ‘Angela Bassett face,’” she said. “I thought, wow, you can see you were expecting something else, but you were still as kind as a queen would be.”

Bassett agreed.

“Absolutely. For me and my kids, who were there with me, yes,” Bassett said. “I know a pastor who says ‘technology is different, people are the same.’ There are going to be these moments of disappointment that you’re going to experience. “But how do you handle yourself among them? We’re going to smile, we’re going to be courteous, we’re going to be kind; anyway, we’re having a party.”

In January, Bassett received an honorary Academy Award at the 2024 Governor’s Awards. At the ceremony, Bassett’s speech was directed at other Black actresses.

“Take comfort in knowing that your performances have given hope, offered a different perspective and, for others, pure joy in a time of need,” he said in his speech. “Never let fear, frustration or disappointment get in the way of the blessings that are divinely and deservedly yours. Remember who you are and who our ancestors wanted us to be. I proudly share this honor with the women who stand up when they are told to back off, who speak out when they are silenced, who remain resolute when told they are defeated.”