Angela Bassett, a celebrated actress known for her powerful performances, has recently achieved a significant milestone in her career by winning her first Emmy Award. She received the prestigious award for Outstanding Narrator for her work in the National Geographic docuseries Queens. The recognition came during a special ceremony held on Saturday, where Bassett expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the entire team behind the project.
Celebrating teamwork and inspiration
In her acceptance speech, Bassett emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving success. “We don’t work for these, but we receive them for all the hard work that we do,” she stated. She acknowledged the efforts of the all-female production team that brought the story of female wildlife to life, highlighting the groundbreaking nature of their work in wildlife documentary filmmaking.
“There’s a whole team that pursued me and believed in me, fought for me, and worked with me to tell this amazing story of females in the wild kingdom,” Bassett added. This recognition not only honors her individual talent but also celebrates the collective effort of women in the industry.
A new direction in her career
Bassett took on the role of narrator while on a break from her acting duties on Fox’s “9-1-1.” She expressed her excitement about exploring a different type of storytelling. “I was awfully tired after chasing bad guys and being a cop. The idea of an all-female crew in the wilderness telling this story and centering it on the matriarchs and the conservation they were doing — it touched my heart,” she shared.
Gratitude and reflection
At 66 years old, Bassett reflected on her journey in the entertainment industry. She shared her feelings of disbelief and joy upon receiving the award, stating, “Oh my God. Wow. My first Emmy!” This moment was particularly special for her, as she has received nine Emmy nominations throughout her career without a win until now.
“This is one of the big ones, and that doesn’t usually happen,” she remarked. Bassett acknowledged the support of her mentors and the inspiration they provided her over the years. “Whenever you’re acknowledged, I’m just, you know, a girl who just wanted to act,” she said, expressing her appreciation for the recognition.
Social media celebration
Following her big win, Bassett took to Instagram to share her excitement. She posted, “My very first #Emmy. It feels really good to hold this in my hands. Thank you to the @televisionacad for recognizing me and the extraordinary story that the #Queens docuseries tells.” Her heartfelt message resonated with fans and followers, showcasing her passion for storytelling and her role as a voice for powerful creatures in the animal kingdom.
Angela Bassett’s first Emmy win is a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft. Her journey reflects the importance of collaboration and the impact of female representation in the entertainment industry. As she continues to inspire others, Bassett’s achievement serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the significance of recognizing the hard work behind the scenes.
