Angela Bassett’s Husband Defends Her After Oscars Loss

If anyone’s going to have Angela Bassett’s back, it’s her husband, Courtney B. Vance.

Last week, the actress opened up about losing the 2023 Best Supporting Actress Award to Jamie Lee Curtis. Bassett was nominated in the category for her role as Queen Ramonda in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and Curtis was up for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

Backlash and Disappointment

As if the loss wasn’t already enough, Bassett was torn apart by viewers and the media for her somber reaction after Curtis’ name was called. She sat with a devastated look without clapping for Curtis, which many deemed as poor sportsmanship.

Courtney B. Vance stands up for Angela Bassett after she shares her disappointment about her 2023 Oscars loss. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

Vance Speaks Out in Defense of Bassett

Last week, she unapologetically doubled down on that disappointment and even spoke about the backlash she got from it.

“I found it interesting. Interesting that I wouldn’t be allowed to be disappointed at an outcome where I thought I was deserving,” Bassett said. “I love applauding people.”

“But in that moment…” she continued, “No, I have put in, put in the time, put in good work over time. I didn’t think that was a gift. I thought it was a given.”

Vance came in like a knight in shining armor to support his wife’s statements.

On Feb. 26, he spoke to “Refinery 29 Unbothered” and said,

“Anybody who’s ever sat and waited for the first syllable of their name to be called and not heard it, it’s unnatural to applaud, especially since this was the second time it happened to her … just like this 30 years ago.”

He added, “She’s human. Leave her alone.”

A Reference to Her Past Loss

“The Preacher’s Wife” star is referencing when Bassett received her very first Oscar nomination in 1994 for her portrayal of Tina Turner in “What Love Got To Do With It.” The category was for Best Actress, and many people believe that she should have gotten her first Oscar win then. However, she lost to Holly Hunter for her film “The Piano.”

A Second Time Around

So many had hoped the Oscars would award Bassett in 2023, but ultimately that did not happen. Instead, they gave her an Honorary Oscar last January.

Unlike the big Oscars ceremony, the Honorary Oscars is not a competition show. Individuals are selected and according to the website, the awards are “given for extraordinary lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the motion picture arts and sciences of any discipline, or outstanding service to the Academy.”

Fans React to Vance’s Defense

Fans reacted to Vance defending Bassett. One person said, “He don’t play about Miss Angela.”

Another wrote, “He said what he said. Periodtt.”

“Absolutely stand up for your wife,” said a third.

Conclusion

With two devastating losses, Bassett’s husband believes it’s understandable why his wife would be upset.

Advocating for her right to have these emotions, Vance said, “So she’s human. That’s all. Leave her alone.”

When asked why it’s important for him to support his wife, he said, “Because we are one. Her success is mine. Mine is hers. And the children saw that, and now they know what to do out there in this crazy world.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is it important for Courtney B. Vance to support his wife?

A: Because they are one, and her success is his success as well.

Q: What is the Honorary Oscar?

A: The Honorary Oscar is an award given to individuals for their extraordinary lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the motion picture arts and sciences of any discipline, or outstanding service to the Academy.

Q: How did Angela Bassett react to losing the Best Supporting Actress Award?

A: She reacted with a somber expression, not applauding for the winner, which was deemed as poor sportsmanship.

Q: What did Courtney B. Vance say about his wife’s reaction?

A: He said, “She’s human. Leave her alone.”