Angela Bassett Celebrates Landmark Emmy Win for Narration in “Queens”

Summary
Angela Bassett won her first Emmy Award for best narrator at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys, recognized for her outstanding work on National Geographic’s “Queens,” a docuseries spotlighting animal matriarchies. In her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude for the all-female production team that inspired her project, emphasizing collaboration and the significance of women’s roles in filmmaking.

In a significant moment for television and the arts, Angela Bassett has finally claimed her first Emmy Award after nine nominations, triumphantly walking away with the title of best narrator at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys held on Saturday. Her win is attributed to her captivating performance in National Geographic’s groundbreaking series, “Queens.” In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Bassett expressed immense gratitude, saying, “It feels good; really, really good. Thank you to National Geographic, Wild Star Film, and all the directors — all women — who brought this incredible story, this incredible docuseries centered on the ferocious and magnificent things in the animal kingdom. I couldn’t be more thrilled and more grateful.” Initially hesitant about the project, Bassett recounted her first reaction. “It was summertime. It was hiatus [for 9-1-1]. It had been a long season. I was looking forward to going on vacation… But they came back around and sent me the sizzle reel and I said, ‘OK, let me put my full attention on this for a moment and see what the project is exactly.’ Once I did that, it didn’t pass me by.” This story encompasses the journey of animal matriarchies worldwide, represented through the lens of an all-female production team, a significant aspect that Bassett highlighted as a remarkable draw to the project. Reflecting further on her win, Bassett shared, “We don’t work for these, but we receive them for all the hard work that we do. Of course, it’s not work that you do alone… there’s a whole team that pursued me and believed in me… to tell this amazing story of females in the wild kingdom, led by an all-female-led production team, a first in wildlife documentary filmmaking. So that was pretty inspiring to me in and of itself.” Bassett’s illustrious career now includes a total of nine Emmy nominations, showcasing her undeniable talent and resilience, including a recent nomination in 2023 for her narration in “Good Night Oppy.”

Angela Bassett’s journey in the realm of television is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Despite being nominated numerous times in the prestigious Emmy Awards, she had yet to clinch a win until now. Her involvement in National Geographic’s “Queens,” a docuseries that shines a light on animal matriarchies and is produced entirely by women, marks not only a personal milestone for Bassett but also a significant moment in wildlife documentary filmmaking. The collective effort of an all-female production team adds a unique layer of inspiration that resonates throughout the series, further underscoring the depth of Bassett’s connection to the project.

Angela Bassett’s first Emmy victory symbolizes a culmination of years of hard work and resilience in the industry. Her win for best narrator not only honors her talent but also highlights the groundbreaking efforts of female storytellers in wildlife documentaries. Bassett’s heartfelt speech reflects a profound appreciation for her collaborators, reminding us that awards may be individual, but the journey is always collaborative. With nine nominations behind her, this win celebrates not just her achievements but also amplifies the voices of women in film and documentary making across the globe.

Original Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com