So opportunities for meaty leading roles were still few and far between.
Everett Collection
Therefore, it was a big deal.
Her first significant role came with 1991sBoyz n the Hood, directed by John Singleton.
The Best Blacktresses - The 1990s: Angela Bassett in ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’.Credit:Everett Collection - Design: Alex Sandoval
We talked, I auditioned, and he gave me a shot.
It was watched by nearly 40 million people.
You never mimicked me.
Angela Bassett in ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’.Everett Collection
Its one of the great showbiz stories and one of the great showbiz movie performances.
Steve Starr/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images
Like Tyson, Bassetts nomination didnt immediately translate into a career boost.
“It was just the time, Bassett said.
Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett in ‘Boyz n the Hood’.Columbia
That was sort of new territory at that time.
Each time a Black woman is nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars its new territory.
Because its so rare.
Denzel Washington and Angela Bassett in ‘Malcolm X’.Everett Collection
Not a reflection of the vibrancy and skill of an underutilized and underrepresented community of artists.
Which begs the question: When will it stop being new?
It was Jada Pinkett, Queen Latifah, Vivica A.
Tina Turner and Angela Bassett on the set of ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’.D Stevens/Buena Vista Pictures/Everett
It was a single, middle-aged Black professionalgetting her groove backwith the help of BFF Whoopi Goldberg.
It was Alfre Woodard, period.
Its about putting something out there you might be proud of 10 years later.
Angela Bassett and husband Courtney B. Vance at the 1994 Academy Awards.Steve Starr/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images
I mean, Meryl Streep won Oscars without all that.
I cant and dont begrudge Halle her success, Bassett continued.
Of course I want one, too.
Angela Bassett in ‘Strange Days’ and ‘Vampire in Brooklyn’.Everett Collection (2)
I would love to have an Oscar.
But it has to be for something I can sleep with at night.
But Bassett also had a point.
Angela Bassett in ‘Waiting to Exhale’.Everett Collection
Not so much about the sex, but about perpetuating Black stereotypes.
It’s trauma overlaid with trauma, a Black woman victimized by an unfeeling world and unsympathetic society.
Its heartbreaking, but its also written by two white men and directed by a third.
Angela Bassett and Whoopi Goldberg in ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’.Everett Collection
But what of the Academy?
Was she being a bad sport?
Or was she just tired?
Angela Bassett accepting her Academy Honorary Award.ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty
Perhaps she didnt express enough gratitude.
But the gratitude shouldnt have been hers to give in the first place, but to receive.
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty
Big words.
And a big honor, yet it doesnt feel quite enough.
Next, well explore what winning an Oscar actually does for the career of a Black actress.
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