Angela Bassett, the renowned actress, has achieved a significant milestone by being the first actor to receive an Oscar nomination for a Marvel movie. She portrayed the character of the grieving Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which has earned her the nomination. This nod is an incredible feat for Bassett, who had last received an Academy Award nomination nearly 30 years ago for her stunning portrayal of Tina Turner in the biopic What’s Love Got to Do With It.

Despite the long hiatus between nominations, Bassett has continued to deliver awe-inspiring performances throughout the years. She has played dynamic roles in movies such as Sunshine State, Waiting to Exhale, and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, leaving a lasting impact on television with her memorable turns in Fox’s 9-1-1 and FX’s American Horror Story. Her influence has gone beyond her performances, inspiring a new generation of actors such as Ariana DeBose, who named Bassett in her viral rap about powerhouse women.

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In the sequel to the critically acclaimed Black Panther, titled Wakanda Forever, Bassett plays the character of Ramonda, who struggles to come to terms with the death of her son T’Challa (played by the late Chadwick Boseman). While leading the nation of Wakanda, Queen Ramonda also tries to protect her daughter, Shuri (Letitia Wright), who reluctantly takes up the mantle of Black Panther from her superhero brother.

Bassett recently acknowledged the significant pressure and expectation surrounding the movie, especially after the tragic loss of Boseman to colon cancer in 2020. Nevertheless, the sequel, which places female characters at the center of the story, has been embraced by both audiences and awards voters, grossing over $858.5 million at the global box office and receiving five Oscar nominations.

Bassett was considered the front-runner for the Best Supporting Actress award, receiving critical acclaim for her soulful and nuanced portrayal of Ramonda. She won Best Supporting Actress prizes at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. However, the competition is fierce, with fellow nominees Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) and Jamie Lee Curtis (Everything Everywhere All at Once) also winning in their respective categories at the British Academy Film Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Despite the disappointment of losing out on these awards, Ryan McQuade, the executive editor of AwardsWatch, affirms that Bassett’s work in Wakanda Forever is undeniably powerful. As one of the closest Best Supporting Actress races in Academy Awards history, Bassett’s legendary status, decades of versatile work, and long-overdue narrative may be enough to push her over the top.

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In conclusion, Angela Bassett’s illustrious career has spanned decades, and she has played several remarkable roles in film and television. Her recent Oscar nomination for her role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a testament to her enduring talent and ability to captivate audiences with her performances. Whether or not she wins the award, Bassett’s legacy as a pioneering actress and role model will continue to inspire future generations.