At the Governors Awards, held by the American Film Academy in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Angela Bassett received an honour.
Celebrating some of the industry’s living legends, such as Mel Brooks, Barbara Bassett, and film editor Carol Littleton, who all won honorary Oscars at the Ray Dolby Auditorium—a short distance from the site of the Academy Awards to be broadcast in March—was the aim of the occasion.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors hosts the annual ceremony to honour individuals for their achievements in life as well as their contributions to the industry. It was moved from being a part of the Oscars telecast to a different event in 2009 so that the speeches would not be timed.
In a passionate speech, Bassett discussed acting as a calling as well as a career. The honorary Oscar, according to her, is “a testament to my legacy” rather than just another trophy.
The 65-year-old was nominated for two Oscars. Last year for her performance as the grieving queen in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and the first for her portrayal of Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” She mentioned that, after the late Cicely Tyson, whom she regarded as a mentor, she is the second Black actress to win an honorary Oscar.
