The 95th Academy Awards may have been a historic night for Asian representation, but for Black viewers, it was yet another reminder of the uphill battle Black artists face in Hollywood.
The Oscars have frequently been criticized for their insufficient diversity and inadequate representation of people of color in nominations and wins. This year was no exception, with just a few Black nominees and only one winner. Angela Bassett was one of the limited Black actors who were nominated for an award, and her defeat was deeply felt by many.
Bassett’s performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was extensively acclaimed, and several people thought that this would be the year she would ultimately win an Oscar. Nevertheless, Jamie Lee Curtis won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once, marking Curtis’ first Oscar nomination and resulting in disappointment for Bassett and her supporters. This was Bassett’s second Oscar nomination.
Angela Bassett’s reaction hurts me #Oscars 🙁 pic.twitter.com/wUgwJ5TWBA
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) March 13, 2023
I feel like the Oscars often gives people “overdue” Oscars. Like, Leonardo DiCaprio winning for The Revenant and NOT The Aviator, Catch Me If You Can.. so many other better roles of his, is ridic.
— Dory Jackson (@dory_jackson) March 13, 2023
Ms Bassett’s performance physically shook me in the theatre. She may not have won the trophy, but she has the crown 👑
— Alana Schetzer (@schetzer) March 13, 2023
She knew. She knew ahead of time. She’d prepared herself for it. This isn’t the first time they’ve shaded her. No offense to Jamie Lee. She did an incredible job.
But, Queen Angela’s flowers are about 30 years over damn due.— Mama’s Always on Stage (@Paula_Galloway) March 13, 2023
Related Story: OUR QUEEN: Angela Bassett Wins Big At The NAACP Image Award Ceremony
Michael B. Jordan who co-starred with Bassett in Black Panther, and Jonathan Majors demonstrated their respect for her on stage, but it was evident that her loss was also a disappointment to them.
“Hey, Auntie,” Jordan said. Majors added, “We love you.”
Bassett’s loss highlights a larger issue in Hollywood – the lack of recognition for Black artists. The Academy should be more inclusive and consider nominees and winners from all backgrounds. Until they do so, the Oscars will continue to disappoint many viewers, particularly those seeking greater representation and diversity in the film industry.
