Angela Bassett accepts honorary Oscar, thanks fans for decades of support

Accepting an honorary Oscar, Angela Bassett, 65, thanked fans for decades of support. The acclaimed actress, known for her portrayal of Tina Turner in What's Love Got To Do With It? (1993), expressed feeling "humbled" by the recognition on Tuesday.

"It's been decades, right? Decades and decades, roles and roles, and blessings upon blessings. To the fans who've gone to see the movie and support it – I felt the love. I'm getting chills now, but I felt the love all these years. I mean, they have prayed, they have fussed, they have written, they have had my back. So it feels really satisfying to receive this. I'm humbled," Bassett shared after collecting her award.

The Emmy Award-winning star, mother of 17-year-old twins Bronwyn and Slater with husband Courtney B Vance, also expressed gratitude to her family for unwavering support, admitting that her family have played an instrumental role in her success.

She told Entertainment Tonight, "The people who love being there, they're there, [and] they're there holding me up. You can't do it alone."

The Governors Awards are hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Prior to the ceremony, Academy president Janet Yang explained that Bassett had been chosen for the honour because of her reputation for delivering "transcendent performances that set new standards in acting".

"Across her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting," Yang said.