Angela Bassett Wins First Emmy After Nine Nominations for Narration in “Queens” Docuseries

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Angela Bassett has added her first Emmy Award to her impressive list of accolades after winning Best Narrator at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys.

The award recognizes her exceptional work on National Geographic’s docuseries Queens, which explores animal matriarchies worldwide. This win comes after nine previous Emmy nominations throughout Bassett’s career.

Bassett expressed gratitude for the recognition in her heartfelt acceptance speech, 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 to take on the project, Bassett explained in a previous interview with The Hollywood Reporter that she had declined the offer during a break from her hit show 9-1-1, hoping to enjoy some well-deserved downtime.

However, after watching a preview reel of the docuseries, she changed her mind, realizing the importance of the project.

“Once I did that, it didn’t pass me by,” she said.

Queens is a seven-part series that highlights female-led animal societies, and the fact that the production was led by an all-female team resonated deeply with Bassett.

“We don’t work for these, but we receive them for all the hard work that we do,” she remarked in the press room.

She spoke about the collaborative nature of the project, noting that while narration is often a solo task, the dedicated team behind the scenes helped bring the project to life.

Bassett’s Emmy win is not only a significant milestone in her career but also a testament to her versatility as an actress and narrator.

The veteran actress, known for her powerful roles on screen, has now made history as part of the first all-female wildlife documentary filmmaking team.

The Queens star has been nominated for an Emmy nine times, including a 2023 nomination for her narration in Good Night Oppy. With this win, Bassett continues to shine as one of Hollywood’s most respected and accomplished talents.