Angela Bassett Shares Historic Kiss with Regina King After Winning First Oscar

During the 14th Annual Governor’s Awards at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood on Tuesday, Angela Bassett, after winning her first Oscar, shared a momentous kiss with Regina King on stage. King, in her introductory speech for Bassett, reflected on their initial meeting and highlighted their on-screen collaborations in Boyz N The Hood and How Stella Got Her Groove Back.

King expressed, “So many times I’ve heard people say that Angela is the very embodiment of Black excellence—but let me correct that. She has a perspective and a voice, and beauty, that is unapologetically Black. But what she embodies at her core is beyond anything that is skin deep. She is artistic excellence, embodied in human form.”

As Bassett took the stage to accept her award, she warmly embraced King, sealing the moment with a kiss on the lips. In her acceptance speech, Bassett remarked, “This honor isn’t just for or about me. What I hope this moment means is that we are taking the necessary steps toward a future in which it is the norm, not the exception, to see and embrace one another’s full humanity, stories, and perspectives. This must be our goal, and to always remember that there is room for us all.” She concluded her speech by invoking the wisdom of legendary poet Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Watch her full acceptance speech below.

The Governor’s Awards also recognized other winners on Tuesday night, including Mel Brooks, Carol Littleton, and Michelle Satter. Stay tuned for more updates on this prestigious event.