X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Angela Bassett Biography

Birth Name:Angela Evelyn Bassett

Birth Place:New York City, New York, United States

Profession Actress, Producer, Director, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

  • Has served as a UNICEF Ambassador
  • Received the 2017 Reel Icon Award from the American Black Film Institute
  • Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2008
  • Is the first African American to receive a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy
  • Graduated from Yale University with a bachelor's degree in African-American studies, and a master's degree in drama
  • Got married to actor Courtney B․ Vance in 1997
  • Has portrayed a number of real-life women, including Tina Turner, Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King
  • Worked out 15 hours a day to portray Tina Turner in "What's Love Got to Do With It․"
  • Was in contention to play the lead role in "Entrapment," but lost out to Catherine Zeta-Jones

Awards

  • 1991ACCA-Best Actress in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 1993ACCA-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1993CFCA Award-Most Promising Actress: nominated
  • 1994Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1994CFCA Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 1994DFWFCA Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 1994Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: winner
  • 1994Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: winner
  • 1994Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture: winner
  • 1994MTV Movie Award-Best Female Performance: nominated
  • 1996Saturn Award-Best Actress: winner
  • 1996Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture: winner
  • 1998Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 1998OFTA Film Award-Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror Actress: nominated
  • 1999Black Film Award-Best Actress: winner
  • 1999Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture: winner
  • 2000Black Reel-Theatrical - Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2000Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: winner
  • 2001BET Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 2001Black Reel-Theatrical - Best Actress: nominated
  • 2001Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2002Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries: nominated
  • 2002BET Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 2002Black Reel-Network/Cable - Best Actress: winner
  • 2002Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special: winner
  • 2002Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: winner
  • 2002OFTA Television Award-Best Actress in a Motion Picture or Miniseries: nominated
  • 2002Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie: nominated
  • 2003Black Reel-Theatrical - Best Actress: winner
  • 2003Black Reel-Network/Cable - Best Actress: winner
  • 2003Christopher Award-Television & Cable: winner
  • 2003Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Children's Special: nominated
  • 2003Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture: winner
  • 2003Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special: winner
  • 2005BET Comedy Award-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Theatrical Film: nominated
  • 2005Black Reel-Best Actress, Musical or Comedy: nominated
  • 2005Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2006Black Movie Award-Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: winner
  • 2007BET Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 2007Black Reel-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2007Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2008BET Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 2009BET Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 2009Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: winner
  • 2009Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2009Icon Award-: winner
  • 2012BET Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 2012Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2013BET Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 2013Critics' Choice TV Award-Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries: nominated
  • 2013WIN Award-Outstanding Actress Made for Television Movie / Mini-Series: winner
  • 2014Felix-Best Actress: nominated
  • 2014Hollywood Award-Best Ensemble Cast: nominated
  • 2014Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries: nominated
  • 2014BET Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 2014Black Reel-Outstanding Actress, TV Movie or Mini-Series: nominated
  • 2014Gold Derby TV Award-TV Movie/Mini Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2014Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture: winner
  • 2014Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special: nominated
  • 2014Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special: nominated
  • 2014INOCA TV-Best Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie: nominated
  • 2014OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or Miniseries: nominated
  • 2014Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie: nominated
  • 2015Gold Derby TV Award-TV Movie/Mini Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2015Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special: nominated
  • 2015OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or Miniseries: nominated
  • 2015Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie: nominated
  • 2015WIN Award-Outstanding Film Directed by a Woman: nominated
  • 2016Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Actress, Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2016Black Reel-Outstanding Director, TV Movie or Limited Series: nominated
  • 2016Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Actress, TV Movie or Limited Series: nominated
  • 2016DGA Award-Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Mini-Series: nominated
  • 2016Gracie-Outstanding Director - Entertainment: winner
  • 2016Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special: nominated
  • 2016Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2017Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Actress, TV Movie or Limited Series: nominated
  • 2017Black Reel-Outstanding Director, TV Movie or Limited Series: nominated
  • 2017Black Reel-Outstanding Guest Performer, Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2017DOC LA Award-DOC LA Icon Award: winner
  • 2017Gold Derby TV Award-Comedy Guest Actress: nominated
  • 2017Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2017INOCA TV-Best Guest Actress in a Drama or Comedy Series: winner
  • 2017OFTA Television Award-Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2017Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2018BET Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 2018Black Reel-Outstanding Directing, TV Movie/Limited Series: nominated
  • 2018The BAM Award-Best Cast: winner
  • 2019AAFCA Award-Best Performance - Female: winner
  • 2019Movies for Grownups Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2019Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: winner
  • 2019Black Reel-Outstanding Actress, Drama Series: nominated
  • 2019Gold Derby Film Award-Ensemble Cast: nominated
  • 2019Gold Derby TV Award-TV Movie/Mini Supporting Actress of the Decade: nominated
  • 2019OFTA Film Award-Best Ensemble: nominated
  • 2019Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Narrator: nominated
  • 2020Black Reel-Outstanding Guest Actress, Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2020Gold Derby TV Award-Comedy Guest Actress: nominated
  • 2020Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: winner
  • 2020OFTA Television Award-Best Female Performance in a Variety Program: nominated
  • 2020OFTA Television Award-Best Voice-Over Performance in a Animated Program: nominated
  • 2020Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2020Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Narrator: nominated
  • 2021Black Reel-Outstanding Voice Performance: nominated
  • 2021CCA Super Award-Best Actress in an Action Series: winner
  • 2021Image Award-Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Motion Picture): nominated
  • 2021Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2021People's Choice Award-The Female TV Star of 2021: nominated
  • 2021People's Choice Award-The Drama TV Star of 2021: nominated
  • 2022BFCC Award-Best Supporting Actress: winner
  • 2022Capri Supporting Actress Award-: winner
  • 2022CCA Super Award-Best Actress in an Action Series: nominated
  • 2022Critics' Choice Documentary Award-Best Narration: winner
  • 2022DFWFCA Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2022Movie Award-Best Actor (Female): nominated
  • 2022Image Award-Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television): nominated
  • 2022Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: winner
  • 2022SLFCA Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2022SFC Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2022FCA Award-Supporting Actress of the Year: nominated
  • 2022WAFCA Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2023Movies for Grownups Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2023Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 2023Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 2023AAFCA Award-Best Supporting Actress: winner
  • 2023EDA Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2023BAFTA Film Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2023Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Actress: winner
  • 2023Windie-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2023CinEuphoria-Best Supporting Actress - International Competition: winner
  • 2023COFCA Award-Best Supporting Performance: nominated
  • 2023CACF Award-Best Supporting Actress: winner
  • 2023Critics Choice Award-Best Supporting Actress: winner
  • 2023CCA Super Award-Best Actress in an Action Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie: nominated
  • 2023CCA Super Award-Best Actress in a Superhero Movie: winner
  • 2023DFCS Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2023Dorian Award-Supporting Film Performance of the Year: nominated
  • 2023GAFCA Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2023Gold Derby Film Award-Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2023Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture: winner
  • 2023Golden Schmoes-Best Supporting Actress of the Year: winner
  • 2023HFCS Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2023HCA Award-Best Supporting Actress: winner
  • 2023Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: winner
  • 2023Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: winner
  • 2023Image Award-Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Motion Picture): nominated
  • 2023KCFCC Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2023LEJA Award-Best Actress in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 2023MNFCA Award-Best Supporting Actress: winner
  • 2023MCFCA Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2023NCFCA Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2023OFTA Film Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2023OFCS Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2023Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Narrator: nominated
  • 2023SFBAFCC Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2023Satellite Award-Best Actress in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 2023SFCS Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2024Saturn Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Film: nominated
  • 2024Astra TV Award-Best Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Drama Series: nominated
  • 2024Astra TV Award-Best Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Drama Series: nominated
  • 2024Black Reel-Outstanding Lead Performance in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2024CCA Super Award-Best Actress in an Action Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie: nominated
  • 2024Critics' Choice Documentary Award-Best Narration: nominated
  • 2024Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2024IDA Award-Best Episodic Series: nominated
  • 2024OFTA Television Award-Best Narration: winner
  • 2024Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Narrator: winner
  • 2025Astra TV Award-Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2025Astra TV Award-Best Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2025CCA Super Award-Best Actress in an Action Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie: nominated
  • 2025Gold Derby TV Award-Drama Actress: nominated
  • 2025Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2025Image Award-Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television): nominated
  • 2026Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie): nominated
  • 2026Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: nominated