In Wakanda Forever, a sequel to 2018’s Black Panther, Bassett called upon her real-life grief to play Romanda, the mother of T’Challa, aka the superhero Black Panther. Chadwick Boseman, who starred as T’Challa in the first film, died in 2020 from colon cancer. Bassett said on Instagram that playing Romanda touched her spirit because the character “is a mother and a leader who must care for her grieving nation as much as she cares for her family in mourning.”
“Ramonda is a love letter that reflects and acknowledges what we women do everyday,” Bassett wrote. “There was so much to unpack as an actress because it’s brilliant storytelling, alongside a wealth of talent in front of and behind the camera. I’m thankful to the Academy for including me amongst a wonderful group of actresses.”
The Marvel film received additional Oscar nominations for Best Visual Effects, Best Costume Design, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Rihanna’s comeback single “Lift Me Up,” which appears in the film, also earned a nod for Best Original Song.
Lupita Nyong’o, who plays Nakia in the Black Panther franchise and is herself an Oscar winner, congratulated Bassett on her nomination by sharing a photo of herself hugging Bassett at the 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards.
“ANGELA BASSETT!! 💐💐💐 Congratulations on your deeply deserved Oscar nomination this morning, and five for #WakandaForever overall!! We love to see it!” Nyong’o wrote in an Instagram caption.
