Angela Bassett nearly declined role that earned her her first Emmy Award after 9 nominations

After nine nominations, Angela Bassett now holds an Emmy. Basset won her first-ever Emmy for outstanding narrator at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys for her work on the National Geographic documentary series Queens, which focused on matriarchies in nature.

During her emotionally charged victory speech, the 66-year-old actress exclaimed, “Oh my God. Wow! My first Emmy!

“It feels really, really good.” The Black Panther star also shared her appreciation for “ National Geographic , Wildstar Films, 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.”

Basset’s current achievement comes after she received her first Academy achievement, an honorary Oscar for her contributions to the film industry.

When a reporter questioned her about why she seemed taken aback by the victory, which was “clearly deserved,” she responded, “This is one of the really, really big ones, you know what I mean? And so that… that doesn’t usually happen.”

She continued, “But also, whenever you’re acknowledged… I’m just a girl who just wanted to act and, and my mentors were way out ahead of me. And I just looked to them and got inspiration and hope and and I just put my focus and my energy and my love to try to make it happen in my life, or for my life.”

“So each and every day I try to remember that first love,” she continued, adding that when things like “this” — her Emmy win — happen, “I appreciate it. I really appreciate it,” per People .

The Otherhood actress also shared her excitement on Instagram . She captioned a picture of her holding the award, “My very first #Emmy. It feels really good to hold this in my hands. Thank you to the @televisionacad for recognizing me and the extraordinary story that the #Queens docu-series tells.”

She added, “So much of my life is spent on camera telling stories, that when I have the opportunity to step back and allow these majestic, powerful creatures to be the center of our attention, I am honored to be their voice.

“Thank you to @natgeotv, @Wildstarfilms, and the incredible directors, ALL WOMEN, who lent their brilliant talent to bring QUEENS to the screen. I share this award with you.”

Bassett initially declined the role that made her an Emmy winner.

“The initial no — it was summertime. It was hiatus [for 9-1-1]. It had been a long season,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “I was looking forward to going on vacation, spending time with the family, and downtime from work because it’s a continuous roller coaster. 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.”

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