Angela Bassett, renowned actress and two-time Academy Award nominee, has finally achieved a long-awaited milestone: her first Emmy Award. The honor came for her narration in the National Geographic documentary series ‘Queens: The Majestic Wild,’ a stunning exploration of the powerful female rulers of the animal kingdom.
Bassett received the award for Outstanding Narrator at the Creative Arts Emmys ceremony on September 7th. Overwhelmed with joy, she exclaimed, “My first Emmy! It’s so… it’s incredible.” Her heartfelt acceptance speech acknowledged the entire team behind the series: “I want to thank National Geographic, Wildstar Films, and the directors for taking these wild and magnificent events in the animal world and turning them into a beautiful documentary series… and they’re all women! I’m so incredibly thrilled and grateful. Thank you to every single one of you.”
Reflecting on the significance of the award, Bassett stated, “This is a really, really big deal… It’s not something that comes easily.” She reminisced about her journey, remembering the aspiring young actress who dreamt of pursuing her passion and the mentors who inspired her. She shared her belief that receiving such a prestigious award helps her hold onto the essence of her initial aspirations. “I’m so grateful from the bottom of my heart.”
‘Queens: The Majestic Wild’ takes viewers on a captivating journey to six remote and beautiful locations across the globe, showcasing the powerful queens who rule the animal kingdom. The series delves into the remarkable strength and resilience of these female leaders, highlighting their roles as sisters, single mothers, and grandmothers, and their unwavering dedication to their offspring. The series also sheds light on the women who tirelessly work to protect and document these animal queens.
Beyond her recent Emmy win, Bassett has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including Academy Award nominations for her performances in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It?’ (1993) and ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022). In November 2023, she will be presented with the prestigious Academy Honorary Award.
Expressing her elation and gratitude on Instagram, Bassett wrote, “My first Emmy. It’s really nice to hold the actual trophy in my hand.” She continued by highlighting her passion for storytelling, both on and off the screen: “I’ve spent much of my life in front of the camera telling stories, but it was an honor to be behind the scenes, lending my voice to these magnificent and powerful creatures. Thank you to National Geographic, Wildstar Films, and the talented, brilliant women who brought ‘Queens: The Majestic Wild’ to life. This award is for them.”
