Angela Bassett may have lost the Oscar, but she still made history

Angela Bassett might not have won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in Wakanda Forever, but let’s not overlook the history she made.

Angela Bassett is known for her powerful performances on both stage and screen. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, she has become an icon in the entertainment industry and a trailblazer for Black actresses.

Over the years, Bassett has taken on many incredible roles but there is no denying one of her standout performances has been playing Queen Ramonda of Wakanda in Marvel’s Black Panther films.

Bassett’s portrayal of Queen Ramonda in both Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was a powerful representation of black female strength and leadership. As the regal and powerful Queen Mother of Wakanda, Ramonda, Bassett commanded the screen with her grace, strength, and poise.

Her performance as Ramonda was one of the highlights of both films as she brought a sense of dignity and gravitas to the role, imbuing her character with a sense of history and tradition that was palpable.

One of the most striking things about Bassett’s portrayal of Ramonda was her ability to convey strength and vulnerability at the same time. She played the role of a grieving mother mourning the loss of her son and worried about the safety of her daughter and nation. At the same time, she exuded a sense of authority and command that left no doubt about her ability to lead and protect her people.

Angela Bassett’s performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was a masterclass in acting. She brought depth, nuance, and emotion to her role, making Ramonda one of the most memorable characters in the film. Her presence on screen was a reminder of the power of great acting to elevate even the biggest and most ambitious of blockbuster movies which is why audiences across the world were left in absolute shock and disbelief when Bassett’s name was not announced as the winner of the Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role on Oscar night.

The loss took the wind out of fans’ sails and the sting of the loss is one that is going to continue to be felt for years to come. It’s easy to feel defeated and there is no denying that Bassett’s loss at the Oscars is one that the entire MCU fandom is still processing. However, it’s important for us not to overlook the incredible history Bassett made with her Oscar nomination — even if it didn’t result in a win on Oscar night.

Angela Bassett made Oscar history with Wakanda Forever nomination

Although she might not have won the Oscar, Angela Bassett forever cemented her legacy within the MCU by becoming the first star to ever receive an Oscar nomination for work in a Marvel movie. Of the hundreds of actors and actresses from Marvel’s 31 MCU films, Bassett is the one and only individual to ever receive an Oscar nomination for her performance in a Marvel movie.

Not only did Bassett become the first Marvel star to earn an Oscar nomination, but she also made history by becoming the first actress and first Black actor/actress to ever be nominated for a superhero film. That’s right, while there have been a few actors who have earned praise from the Oscars for their work in superhero films, Bassett became the first actress to secure a nomination for a superhero film and also the first Black actor/actress to be nominated at the Oscars for a role in a superhero film.

Angela Bassett Wakanda Forever award wins

While the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences failed to recognize Bassett’s greatness for her performance in Wakanda Forever, Bassett still managed to pick up a handful of awards this season for her stunning performance in Marvel’s Black Panther sequel. Here’s a look at every award Bassett has won for her role as Queen Ramonda:

• Best Supporting Actress – African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA)
• Best Supporting Actress – Black Film Critics Circle Awards
• Outstanding Supporting Actress – Black Reel Awards
• Capri Supporting Actress Award
• Best Supporting Actress – International Competition – CinEuphoria Awards
• Best Supporting Actress – Critics Association of Central Florida Awards
• Best Supporting Actress – Critics Choice Awards
• Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture – Golden Globes
• Best Supporting Actress – Hollywood Critics Association
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture – Image Awards (NAACP)
• Best Supporting Actress – Minnesota Film Critics Alliance Awards

Among Bassett’s notable wins for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, was her win at the Golden Globes. The win at the Golden Globes marked a major moment for Marvel Studios as Bassett became the first Marvel performer to win a Golden Globe for their role in a Marvel Studios film!