Angela Bassett has been captivating audiences on the big and small screen for decades and will be rightfully rewarded for her achievements in the film industry by the American Black Film Institute this February. At the organization's "New, Next, Now, Legend" Oscar week gala, the actress will be honored with the “Reel Icon” award. 

The "Reel Icon" award celebrates Bassett as one of films all-time favorite actors, and is keeping with the mission of the Institue to "preserve the cinematic legacy of African American films and films of the global Black experience." The ceremony will also honor 2016's rising actresses Issa Rae (Awkward Black Girl, Insecure) and Janelle Monae (Hidden Figures, Moonlight), who surely site Bassett as a major influence.

Bassett has stolen hearts with memorable performances in major black films like Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got her Groove Back. Her iconic portrayals of historic black women like Coretta Scott-King in Betty & Coretta, Betty Shabazz in Malcolm X, Tina Turner in What's Love Got to do With It, and Rosa Parks inThe Rosa Parks Story has forever changed the way we look at history. This award is long overdue, and we are proud of the work she has done in films and for black actresses everywhere.

Go Auntie Angie!