In a candid interview with Oprah Winfrey as part of the "OWN Spotlight" series, acclaimed actress Angela Bassett discussed her emotional experience of losing the Oscar for supporting actress last year. Bassett, who was nominated for her remarkable performance in Marvel's "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," revealed her initial shock and disappointment upon hearing someone else's name being called as the winner.

During the interview, Oprah expressed her own surprise, saying, "I just knew your name was going to be called. I was beside myself [when it wasn't]! We were beside ourselves." Bassett, in response, admitted, "I was gobsmacked! I thought I handled it very well. That was my intention, to handle it very well. It was, of course, a supreme disappointment, and disappointment is human."

Despite the setback, Bassett underscored the importance of handling such moments of disappointment with grace, not only for oneself but also for those around. She emphasized, "There are going to be these moments of disappointment that you'll experience, but how do you handle yourself in the midst of them? We're going to smile, we're going to be gracious, we're going to be kind, we're going to party anyway."

Prior to her nomination for "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," Bassett had previously been nominated for an Oscar once in 1994 for her portrayal of Tina Turner in "What's Love Got to Do With It." Although she didn't win on that occasion either, her remarkable performance earned her a Golden Globe. In 2023, following her loss, Bassett was recognized with an Honorary Award for her outstanding career contributions during this year's Oscar season.

Reflecting on her role as Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Bassett discussed the significance of playing a powerful and regal character that resonated with audiences. She shared how she signed on to the original "Black Panther" film without even seeing the script, as the opportunity to portray a queen was a dream come true. Bassett expressed her belief that all Black women are deserving of the title of queen, rejecting society's tendency to marginalize them.

The interview between Oprah and Bassett offered viewers an intimate look into the actress's personal journey and her resilience in the face of disappointment. Bassett's ability to handle the Oscar loss with authenticity and dignity serves as a powerful lesson in navigating challenging moments and continuing to celebrate one's own achievements.

To watch the full conversation between Oprah and Angela Bassett, click on the video link below.