Black Women in Ignored at the 95th Academy Awards

The 95th Academy Awards took place on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The award show honored films released in 2022 and resulted in historic wins leaving many fans outraged at the snub of yet another Black woman. Angela Bassett, star of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” lost in the Best Actress category to Jamie Lee Curtis, who won for her performance in “Everything, Everywhere All At Once.”

Not long after the announcement, fans expressed disappointment on social media over Angela Bassett’s “snub” at the award show. This was not the first time fans were upset about Bassett’s loss at the Academy Awards. The “Black Panther” star was previously nominated for Best Actress in 1992 for her role as Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and lost to Holly Hunter in “The Piano.”

The Oscars have historically marginalized Black creators, in terms of winners and nominees. In 2022, Variety created a running list of  25 Black Artists the Oscars Should’ve Nominated in the Last Decade

Following Bassett’s loss, Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors, stars of “Creed III” and”Black Panther” presented an award paying tribute to the actress. Jordan, who plays Killmonger in “Black Panther,” used a favorite fan line from the film, saying “Hey Auntie,” followed by Majors saying “We Love You.”

Spencer Althouse, Deputy Editorial Director @BuzzFeed, and self-proclaimed Oscar Enthusiast were one of the users expressing his sentiments on Twitter about the actresses’ loss.  “I better see her on that stage SOON,” Althouse said.

Bassett wasn’t the only Black woman whose fans felt was snubbed. Two films that were also overlooked were, “The Woman King,” starring Viola Davis, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, and “Till,” starring Danielle Deadwyler and directed by Chinonye Chukwu. “The Woman King” was particularly notable for both its box office success and critical acclaim.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” did secure a historic win from Ruth E. Carter, who won Best Costume Design. Carter became the first Black woman to win two Oscars.

But, unfortunately, no Black actors in lead actor categories or Black or female directors were nominated at this year’s ceremony.