FILM: Angela Bassett: Reigning Queen Of The Silver Screen Finally Claims Her Oscar Throne

By Jo- Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor For www.StyleMagazine.com

It is an exhilarating moment, brimming with long-overdue vindication, as

Angela Bassett, the illustrious actress, prepares to grasp the coveted Oscar statuette. The profound news arrived like a thunderclap on Monday, when the esteemed Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced its decision to bestow upon Bassett an honorary Oscar at the grandiose 2023 Governors Awards.

Bassett, a luminous talent, etched her name indelibly in the annals of history in 2023. Her awe-inspiring portrayal of the resolute Queen Ramonda in the revered 2022 sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” catapulted her into the realm of Best Supporting Actress nominees. In a groundbreaking feat, Bassett shattered barriers, becoming the first person of color, the first woman, and the first luminary from the Marvel Studios pantheon to be hailed for a performance in a transcendent comic book adaptation.

However, this momentous recognition was not the first occasion when Bassett’s extraordinary prowess captivated the discerning eyes of the Academy. In the mid-90s, her mesmerizing embodiment of the late rock and soul luminary Tina Turner in the 1993 biopic “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” earned her a resplendent Oscar nomination.

Throughout her illustrious career, Bassett has ceaselessly unleashed performances of unparalleled brilliance, consistently raising the bar for her craft.

Janet Yang, the venerable president of the Academy, extolled Bassett’s enduring contributions spanning several decades, declaring, “Across the tapestry of her illustrious career, Angela Bassett has ceaselessly dazzled audiences with her transcendent performances, invariably setting new benchmarks in the hallowed art of acting.”

Bassett’s celestial aura has graced the silver screen in an array of iconic master- pieces. From her heart-wrenching presence in “Boyz n the Hood” to her vivacious embodiment in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” and from her profound portrayal in “Malcolm X” to her electrifying essence in “Mission Impossible: Fallout,” her every performance radiates unparalleled brilliance. Notably, she has also brought regality and grace to the enigmatic Queen Ramonda in three Marvel cinematic endeavors. Television, too, has basked in Bassett’s incandescent glow, with her luminous presence enhancing esteemed shows like “American Horror Story,” “ER,” and “9-1-1,” among other illustrious ventures.

Honorary Oscars, the ultimate accolades of distinction, are meticulously bestowed upon a select few luminaries, their names handpicked by the discerning Board of Governors at the Academy. Alongside the radiant Angela Bassett, the illustrious Mel Brooks and the esteemed Carol Littleton will also grace the stage as recipients of the 2023 Governors Award. Additionally, Michelle Statter of the venerable Sundance Institute will be crowned with the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, a testament to her extraordinary devotion to humanitarian causes.

The curtains will rise on the splendid evening of the 2023 Governors Awards in the radiant city of Los Angeles on November 18. It is on this resplendent night that Angela Bassett, with a heart overflowing with anticipation, will at last claim the recognition she so exquisitely deserves, etching her name into the pantheon of cinematic luminaries. www.StyleMagazine.com

ART: DISCOVER THE ARTISTIC MARVELS OF EAST HARRIS COUNTY:

APPLY NOW FOR HCCAC'S ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM 2023-24!

By Kathleen Coleman, Arts Editor

tic profile. Their organization provides a crucial structure for sustaining my career.'"

"LaMonte French, another talented multimedia artist, describes the experience as 'fulfilling, where art and community merge seamlessly.'"

The Harris County Cultural Arts Council invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey into the vibrant world of art and culture with their groundbreaking Artists in Residence Program. This innovative initiative aims to shape a unique cultural identity for the region while providing a platform for both emerging and established artists to showcase their awe-inspiring work. With a range of enticing benefits, including financial support, free studio space, mentoring, and collaborations in public programming, participants in this program are poised to make a significant impact within the local community.

Under the visionary leadership of social entrepreneur Michelle Bonton,

HCCAC is already making waves in Houston's creative scene. This dynamic nonprofit organization is fully dedicated to uplifting arts and culture in the region through innovative programming, spearheading initiatives, and placing the Artist in Residence Program at the forefront of their mission. By bringing talented individuals directly into the local community, HCCAC is taking substantial strides toward eliminating cultural desolation in the area.

Let's hear from two artists who were part of the AIR cohort in 2022-23: "Wyntress X'ion, a multimedia artist, expresses gratitude for the unwavering support from HCCAC, stating, 'They have been an invaluable source of guidance, helping me elevate my artis-

As an Artist in Residence, you'll enjoy the following privileges: A) One year of free studio space B) Personal stipends (subject to funding availability) C) Mentoring D) Professional development through networking and community building E) Opportunities to create, exhibit, and present new public artworks

Prepare for an Artistic Revolution! HCCAC's AIR Program aims to redefine the art scene and ignite meaningful discussions about African American history and culture. This comprehensive program provides organizational support, training, and mentorship to participating fellows. With the creation of breathtaking public artworks and four captivating exhibitions, HCCAC will make an indelible mark on the global stage. Furthermore, their innovative gatherings will bring together brilliant minds from the industry to push the boundaries of creativity and initiate thought-provoking conversations about the African American experience. By fostering increased engagement and accessibility to African American history and culture, HCCAC takes a giant leap forward in preserving this invaluable legacy for generations to come.

The closing ceremony of HCCAC's 2022-23 Artist in Residence Program will showcase Randy Wrosiv Palmer's thought-provoking group exhibition titled 'MENTAL.' Through this exhibition, Palmer aims to shed light on the insufficient mental health resources available to black men and foster healthy conversations about mental illness within communities of color.

Following Palmer's remarkable show, HCCAC Artist in Residence Divine Decuir will present her exhibition, 'Paradox,' on July 6, 2023, from 7-10 pm.

Applications for the AIR Cohort 2023-24 are now open until June 30, 2023. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to be part of HCCAC's transformative Artists in Residence Program. Apply today at www.harriscountycac. org!