Angela Bassett, celebrated for her exceptional talent and enduring grace, encountered a bittersweet moment at the Oscars in March 2023. Despite her outstanding performance in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” which earned her a coveted nomination for Best Supporting Actress, she ultimately didn’t clinch the award. This unexpected turn of events may have momentarily dimmed the glow of her Hollywood journey, but Angela, alongside her devoted husband, Courtney B. Vance, showed resilience and resilience in the face of disappointment.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the 18th annual Oscar Wilde Awards in Santa Monica, California, Courtney candidly shared insights into their post-Oscars experience. “We look at it and we’re the same people when they like us, when they want us and when they don’t. So we just keep moving,” Vance, 63, affirmed, reflecting on the fluctuations of fame and recognition. “Eventually, the world comes around to you, and then one minute you’re hot, one minute you’re a little tepid, but you’re still you. So we really try not to let it faze us.”
While Angela’s heart may have felt a pang at the loss, the couple made a conscious decision to turn the disappointment into an opportunity for celebration. “It hurt her feelings when she didn’t win the Oscar this last go-round, but we decided to party like it was 1999 that night and they weren’t going to run us home,” Vance recounted with a touch of humor. Their resilience led them to the legendary post-Oscars soirée hosted by none other than Beyoncé and Jay-Z, where they immersed themselves in the euphoria of the moment, refusing to let setbacks dim their spirits.
The experience was a testament to Angela and Courtney’s unwavering commitment to living life to the fullest, embracing both triumphs and tribulations with equal grace. “They gave her an honorary Oscar, which is wonderful. So we keep it pushing,” Vance affirmed, emphasizing Angela’s enduring legacy in the industry and her boundless potential for future greatness.
Indeed, Angela’s star continues to shine brightly, undeterred by momentary setbacks. With two film appearances already under her belt in 2024, including a role in Netflix’s highly anticipated “Damsel,” Angela stands poised on the brink of yet another chapter in her illustrious career. “I believe her best work is ahead of her,” Vance asserted, exuding confidence in his wife’s artistic prowess. “So maybe it re-energized people about her, but she’s the most amazing actress in the world.”
As Angela and Courtney navigate the ebbs and flows of Hollywood, their unwavering bond and steadfast resilience serve as an inspiration to us all. Their journey is a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and unwavering belief in oneself, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, there is always cause for celebration and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
