Angela Bassett to receive honorary Oscar

Angela Bassett will receive an honorary Oscar at this year’s Governors Awards, announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In addition, the Sundance Institute’s Michelle Satter will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Awards.

“The Academy’s Board of Governors is thrilled to honor four trailblazers who have transformed the film industry and inspired generations of filmmakers and movie fans,” said Academy President Janet Yang. “Across her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting. Mel Brooks lights up our hearts with his humor, and his legacy has made a lasting impact on every facet of entertainment. Carol Littleton’s career in film editing serves as a model for those who come after her. A pillar of the independent film community, Michelle Satter has played a vital role in the careers of countless filmmakers around the world.”

Many fans and fellow colleagues have shown support and outrage at the snubs that the ‘911’ star and director has received in past nominations. Bassett should have won for her portrayal as the late Tina Turner in “What's Love Got to Do With It” and even more recently as Ramonda in Marvel comics, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Let's not forget her powerful performance as Betty Shabazz in Spike Lee's,‘Malcolm X’ where she was never nominated for Best Supporting Actress.

The award will be presented at the 14th annual ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Los Angeles.