Golden Globes: Angela Bassett makes Marvel history as 3 other Black performers become first-time winners

Four Black performers nabbed wins at Tuesday night’s Golden Globe Awards, with veteran actress Angela Bassett making Marvel history when she took home the Emmy for best supporting actress in a film for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. According to CNN, the honor bestowed on the 64-year-old makes her the first actor to win a Golden Globe for a role in a Marvel movie.

During her acceptance speech, Bassett, who plays Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, paid tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman. The deceased actor played King T’Challa in the first Black Panther movie. Bassett touched on Boseman’s death and how the Black Panther sequel cast and crew united in the wake of the tragic incident.

“We mourned, we loved, we healed and we were surrounded each and every day by the light and the spirit of Chadwick Boseman,” Bassett said. “We have joy in knowing that with this historic ‘Black Panther’ series, it is part of his legacy he helped lead us to, we showed the world what black unity, leadership and love looks like beyond, behind and in front of the camera.”

Bassett also expressed gratitude to Marvel fans for “embracing these characters and showing us so much love.”

“We just made history with this nomination and with this award. It belongs to all of you and all of us,” she added. This is Bassett’s second Golden Globe win. Her first came in 1994 when she took home the award for lead actress in a film, comedy or musical for portraying Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It.

The veteran actress wasn’t the only Black performer honored with an award during Tuesday night’s show. Quinta Brunson, Zendaya, and Tyler James Williams also achieved personal feats as they became first-time Golden Globe nominees and winners, NBC News reported.

Brunson’s Abbott Elementary sitcom won for best television series, musical or comedy. In her acceptance speech, the 33-year-old writer and producer paid tribute to her cast. She also gave special shout-outs to actors Henry Winkler and Seth Rogen.

“I’m gonna pull it together to say we made this show because we love comedy, we love TV,” Brunson said. “During a very tough time in this country, I’m so grateful ‘Abbott Elementary’ can make people laugh.”

Williams, who also portrays Gregory Eddie in Abbott Elementary, took home best supporting actor in a TV comedy series. “I pray this is a win for Gregory Eddie and for his story and stories like his, that we understand his story is just as important as all the other stories that have to be told out here,” Williams said.

Zendaya could not attend the event. But that did not stop her from winning best actress in a TV drama series for her role as Rue in the drama series, Euphoria. 

For his contributions to the industry, Eddie Murphy was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award. In his acceptance speech, the renowned actor expressed gratitude to his children and agents. He also said there is “a definitive blueprint” for promising performers to attain success in the industry.

Continuing on a lighter note, the 61-year-old added, “All you have to do is: pay taxes, mind your business and keep Will Smith’s wife’s name out of your [expletive] mouth.”