In a world where there is no shortage of outrage, I think folks might check the anger about Angela Bassett not winning the Oscar for best supporting actress Sunday night.
Bassett, who is among the most prominent (and bankable) Hollywood A-listers around, won the Golden Globe earlier this year for her role as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. I don't think that was a charity win. I think she earned it -- in the eyes of the Hollywood Foreign Press. She was competing with Jamie Lee Curtis and Kerry Condon, among others, in that category, too. But Bassett won and was as gracious and regal as she always is.
She did not win the Oscar -- inarguably the more prestigious honor -- but she was not scuttled by the loss. Her career and standing are still intact this morning. She will undoubtedly go on to be a well-paid actress, producer and director. She's married to Courtney B. Vance, who himself is Hollywood royalty. They will be fine.
Yes. Hollywood is rife with racism and sexism but it is soooooooo much better than it was even 20 years ago and I'm confident POC's and women will only continue to grow in power and influence to shape the industry.
Everything Everywhere ... was an important win for Asian-Americans and writer / director Sarah Polley's win for Women Talking's searingly uncompromising screenplay was affirmation, at least to me, that those voices are valued and needed.
I would point out, re Angela Bassett, that the folks at BET routinely nominate her for her performances (10 times so far) and she has yet to win the star. Say what you will about the BET awards, they are touted as credible markers of personal achievement and distinction among African Americans. I have no idea why Bassett hasn't won but I don't remember anyone exploding about those losses.
I understand disappointment, especially when fueled by distrust, but folks need to chill, for real.
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment