Angela Bassett Secures First Emmy Victory
Angela Bassett is now an Emmy Award winner for the first time, winning the award for best narrator at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys on Saturday. She was nominated for her narration in National Geographic’s Queens.
“It feels really good,” Bassett said in her acceptance speech. “I want to thank National Geographic, Wild Star Film, and all the directors – who were all women – for bringing this incredible story to life. This docuseries showcases the fierce and amazing aspects of the animal kingdom. I am overjoyed and grateful.”
Initially, Bassett turned down the project, telling The Hollywood Reporter, “I was looking forward to a break after a long season of 9-1-1. But when they showed me the sizzle reel, I was intrigued. I gave it my full attention and was hooked.”
Queens is a seven-part series that explores animal matriarchies worldwide, with an all-female production team, which Bassett found to be a major draw.
Reflecting on her Emmy win, Bassett said, “While I may receive the award for narration, it’s a team effort. I had a dedicated team who believed in me and worked with me to tell this incredible story of female leadership in the wild, with an all-female production team – a groundbreaking achievement in wildlife documentary filmmaking.”
Bassett has received a total of nine Emmy nominations, including a 2023 nomination for best narrator for her work on Good Night Oppy.