Angela Bassett has always “done the thing.” The legendary actress began her career in the late 80s, making a name for herself with memorable roles in films like Boyz in the Hood and Malcom X before making her Hollywood breakthrough playing Tina Turner in 1994. In the near three decades since, Angela has become the epitome of “movie star”, giving standout performances across genres (dramas, rom-coms and even cyberpunk thrillers) and mediums. She’s even become the first actor to be Oscar-nominated for a role in a Marvel film — no small feat.
Whether she’s attending a premiere or scooping an award, Angela’s red carpet style has always been as sophisticated as her performances. Think red carpet tailoring, from oversized suits to leather vests, sleek slip dresses and LBDs. In honour of the actress’ recent win and nominations for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, we look back at some of her most iconic outfits from the 90s and Y2K.
At the MTV Movie Awards, 1994
Angela Bassett broke into Hollywood portraying rock’n’roll legend Tina Turner in the 1993 biopic, What’s Love Got to Do with It? The role earned her her first Golden Globe, as well as an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. During the film’s awards circuit, the actress stopped by the MTV Movie Awards where she wore this ultra 90s leather vest and huge gold hoops.
At the Strange Days premiere, 1995
In 1995, Angela starred in three (three!) films, including Kathryn Bigelow helmed cyberpunk thriller Strange Days. To the movie’s premiere, she wore an oversized charcoal suit about which we just have two words: “The! Tailoring!”
At the VH1 Divas Tribute to Diana Ross, 2000
Angela went full 70s glam in feather boa and sequins to honor Diana Ross at the disco legend’s VH1 Divas Tribute show.
At The Score premiere, 2001
Evidently, Angela loved a suiting moment. Here, at the turn-of-the-millennium, the star wears a longline pinstriped number with a pair of strappy sandals. How Y2K!
At the movie’s LA premiere, 2001
We love a pair of sunglasses on the red carpet. Angela wore hers to The Score’s premiere in sunny Los Angeles (where else?). The full look — slim back shades, slip dress and bedazzled sandals — is 00s perfection.
At the SAG Awards, 2002
Angela Bassett arrived at the SAG Awards — where she was nominated for her performance in Ruby’s Bucket of Blood — in this black slip dress and a rosette choker that wouldn’t look out of place in the SS23 collections.
At the Sunshine State premiere, 2002
Angela’s style isn’t all suits and slip dresses. The actress arrived at the Sunshine State premiere looking like she’d just stepped off of the Studio 54 dance floor in this fun tiger-patterned jumpsuit. Show-stopping, just like Angela.