Last year, Angela Bassett was snubbed for an Oscar for her role in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," but last night, she was recognized with an award she was proud to receive.

On Wednesday (Jan. 9), at the 14th annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles, the iconic performer received an honorary Oscar for her exemplary contributions to Hollywood. She was introduced by Regina King, whom she starred opposite in "227," "Boyz N the Hood," and "How Stella Got Her Groove Back." During her acceptance speech, Bassett acknowledged the Black women who have been crowned with Oscars, including King.

“I have considered acting my calling and not just my career … to be recognized in this way for what I love doing is truly wonderful, and I am beyond grateful.” 

She continued, “I have had to let it sink in that I am the second Black actress to receive an honorary Academy Award [after the late Cicely Tyson, a friend, and mentor of hers] … and I hope that she is smiling from the heavens that I’m able to join her in that circle of recognition. This, for me, is not just another award."

After that, she paid homage to Hattie McDaniel, the first Black person to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Gone With the Wind," in 1940.

“She historically tore down a barrier … and it would be another 50 years before another Black woman would win an Oscar [referring to Whoopi Goldberg, who won for "Ghost"] … and still more than another decade before the next historic win [Halle Berry became the first Black best actress winner, for "Monster’s Ball"]… which, after more than two decades, remains ‘the only.’” 

Additionally, she highlighted each Black woman who has won the coveted award and their impact on the industry. “Ten actresses who are makers of history in our industry," she said. "I call their names to acknowledge every one of them this evening for being beacons of possibility and hope for little Black and brown girls who aspire to one day pursue the dream of becoming an actor. This, for me, is not just another award.” 

She referenced Hattie McDaniel –the first Black actress to win an Academy Award– in 1940 for her role in “Gone With the Wind.”

“She historically tore down a barrier … and it would be another 50 years before another Black woman would win an Oscar [referring to Whoopi Goldberg, who won for Ghost] … and still more than another decade before the next historic win [Halle Berry became the first Black best actress winner, for Monster’s Ball]… which, after more than two decades, remains ‘the only.’” 

Bassett listed the names of all the Black actresses who have won Oscars, dubbing them: “Ten actresses who are makers of history in our industry. I call their names to acknowledge every one of them this evening for being beacons of possibility and hope for little Black and brown girls who aspire to one day pursue the dream of becoming an actor.”

Along with McDaniel, Goldberg, and Berry, the seven remaining Black female winners include  Jennifer Hudson (Best Supporting Actress, "Dreamgirls"), Mo’Nique (Best Supporting Actress, "Precious"), Octavia Spencer (Best Supporting Actress, "The Help"), Lupita Nyong’o (Best Supporting Actress, "12 Years a Slave"), Viola Davis (Best Supporting Actress, "Fences"), Regina King (Best Supporting Actress, "If Beale Street Could Talk"), and Ariana DeBose (Best Supporting Actress, "West Side Story." 

Bassett, who has been in the industry for 40 years, continued, “This honor isn’t just for or about me. What I hope this moment means is that we are taking the necessary steps toward a future in which it is the norm, not the exception, to see and embrace one another’s full humanity, stories and perspectives. This must be our goal, and to always remember that there is room for us all. When we stand together, we win together. To all my fellow Black actresses, fill your hearts with courage and strength, because regardless of what you may think or see or feel, our contributions do matter. Remember who you are, and how our ancestors intended us to be.” She added, “I proudly share this honor with women who stand up when they are told to stand back, who speak up when they are silenced … these women represent those I have been honored to portray, as well as the everyday women who surround us and inspire us to keep striving.” 

She wrapped her message by saying, “The best is yet to come."