Imagine finding out with a month to go that you’re going to be playing one of the most iconic figures in twentieth century music. Who is, let’s remember, still alive. The movie you’re about to be in is based on her autobiography. And because it’s the twentieth century, she’s done a lot of movies and TV and everyone knows what she looks like. Now, fortunately, she’s going to provide your singing voice, so you don’t have to worry about that. But you have to get her look, her mannerisms, her speaking patterns. It works out nicely, though; not only do you get an Oscar nomination, but she’s kind enough to do your makeup for you to show you how she does her own.

It was a tough race for Best Actress that year. Angela Bassett lost to Holly Hunter in The Piano, but it’s one of those years when any of the five would’ve been a worthy winner. Yeah, it’s a shame Bassett didn’t win—and has never been nominated for any other role—but that was definitely one of those years when the category was stacked. Honestly, it’s surprising that she was nominated, because although the Academy does love it a good biopic, I think that’s the first time a figure from rock was the lead role in an Oscar-nominated biopic.

And, of course, Angela Bassett has had to deal with being a black woman in Hollywood, which is not easy. That she’s done as many prominent characters at all is doing pretty well for herself. Especially since she’s deliberately chosen characters who she thinks are uplifting in some way. She rejected Halle Berry’s Oscar-winning role in Monster’s Ball because she wasn’t interested in doing the sexual content. She’s played Betty Shabazz and Coretta Scott King, and it’s honestly not surprising to realize that, given her image.

I strongly suspect she’s one of those people who anti-fans of the MCU are surprised agreed to appear in it. On other hand, Queen Ramonda is very much an Angela Bassett character. She’s a strong, intelligent woman who is supportive of her children and does what she believes to be right. You take away the superhero trappings, and no one would be surprised that she’d take the part. It’s not showy, but it’s a good role for her—and let’s be real, it’s got to be nice to have a Hollywood movie about a black family where the kids get to adulthood with both parents.

Bassett is a busy woman. Most years, she’s got at least one movie, and often two. They’re not all blockbusters, of course, but she’s working. She’s on TV, too. In her history of playing historical figures, she’s played Marie Laveau on an American Horror Story thing. She’s directed. She’s produced. She’s done the Legitimate Theatre. Angela Bassett is a legitimate icon, and if she’s spending time in Wakanda, I think we should all assume it’s because she wants to.

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