Bassett, Angela

1958- · Contribution: 1993-present

Actress

Acclaimed actress whose commanding performances across four decades broke new ground for Black women in Hollywood; the first performer to earn an Academy Award acting nomination for a role in a Marvel Studios film, and the recipient of an Academy Honorary Award for lifetime achievement.

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Arts, Music & Entertainment Tech

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Quick facts

Born
1958
Active since
1993
Category
Arts, Music & Entertainment Tech
Best known for
First Oscar acting nod for a Marvel filmAcademy Honorary AwardFour decades of leading roles

Impact on the world

Bassett brought gravitas and leading-woman power to Black roles across four decades, breaking new ground for Black women in Hollywood. Her Marvel nomination expanded which films the Academy takes seriously.

An alternative history

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Sources

  1. Source lookup

    NPR (After 2 nominations, Angela Bassett wins an honorary Oscar)

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