Angela Bassett to Receive Excellence in the Arts Award at ABFF Honors (EXCLUSIVE)

Angela Bassett will be saluted for her career achievement at the 8th American Black Film Festival Honors in February.

The screen icon will receive the Excellence in the Arts award for her acclaimed body of work, which includes such films as “Malcolm X,” “Waiting to Exhale,” “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” and “Black Panther.” Bassett’s portrayal of Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and reprising her role as Queen Ramonda in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” both garnered Academy Award nominations; she was presented with an honorary Oscar in 2024.

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On television, Bassett stars in and executive produces ABC’s hit drama “9-1-1” and won her first Emmy for narrating the NatGeo docuseries “Queens.” Bassett also directs and produces through Bassett Vance Productions, which is partnered with 20th Television. Her honors include multiple Emmy nominations, a SAG Award, two Golden Globes and 16 NAACP Image Awards, among other accolades.

“Angela Bassett is the embodiment of excellence,” said Nice Crowd CEO Jeff Friday and President Nicole Friday. “Her body of work is both extraordinary and enduring, defined by performances that are fearless, powerful, and deeply human. She has set a standard for artistic integrity and cultural impact that continues to inspire generations, and we are honored to celebrate her remarkable career with the Excellence in the Arts Award.”

Presented by Nice Crowd, the 2026 ABFF Honors will take place on Feb. 16 at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills. Comedian and New York Times best-selling author KevOnStage will host the non-televised ceremony.

As Variety previously announced, Dwayne Johnson will receive the Entertainment Icon Award. Oscar winner and talk show host Jennifer Hudson will be presented with the Renaissance Award, director and executive producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield will accept the Evolution Award and “F1” star Damson Idris will be recognized with the Horizon Award. ABFF Honors will also pay a special tribute to the creative team behind Ryan Coogler’s hit movie “Sinners.”