Angela Bassett’s trailblazing film and television career will take center stage at the 2026 BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit. The Honorary Oscar recipient and Emmy-winning actress is being recognized as one of this year’s Legacy Honorees. Her selection celebrates impactful contributions across the business of entertainment spanning more than three decades of groundbreaking work.
Bassett will be honored before a room of influential women leaders from across industries and sectors. The recognition acknowledges her multifaceted career as an actress, director, and executive producer who shaped entertainment. Her presence at the summit reinforces the connection between artistic excellence and business leadership in modern entertainment.
Four Decades of Iconic Performances From What’s Love to Black Panther
Bassett has captivated audiences for more than four decades through unforgettable performances in landmark films. From iconic movies like “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Waiting to Exhale,” and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” to “Black Panther,” she’s defined excellence. Each role demonstrated her range, power, and ability to bring complex Black women characters to life authentically.
Her filmography represents cultural touchstones that resonated across generations of viewers seeking representation and inspiration. These films didn’t just entertain—they sparked conversations about Black womanhood, love, resilience, and identity in America. Bassett’s choices consistently elevated projects while opening doors for other Black actresses seeking substantial roles.
Emmy Award Winning Work on 9-1-1 Showcases Executive Producer Skills
Bassett’s award-winning work on the hit series “9-1-1” demonstrates her evolution beyond acting alone. She not only stars in the show but also serves as executive producer, showcasing business acumen. Her dual role reflects understanding that influence in entertainment requires participation in creative and business decisions.
The show’s success under her leadership proves her value extends beyond on-screen performance to overall production. As executive producer, she shapes storylines, casting, and the show’s direction while maintaining high standards. This multifaceted involvement represents the modern entertainment professional who controls their narrative and career trajectory.
Career Spanning 1980s to Present Earned Prestigious Awards and Recognition
Bassett’s appearance at this year’s Women of Power Summit celebrates a career that began in the 1980s. Her journey includes Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, and an Honorary Academy Award among countless accolades. Each recognition validates her talent while acknowledging her impact on the entertainment industry and culture broadly.
The Honorary Oscar particularly represents Hollywood’s acknowledgment of her decades-long contributions to cinema and representation. Academy recognition came after years of delivering powerful performances that transformed how Black women appeared onscreen. Her awards shelf reflects both critical acclaim and industry respect earned through consistent excellence and professionalism.
Legacy Honorees Include Influential Women Leaders Across Multiple Sectors
Bassett is joined among this year’s Legacy Honorees by exceptional women who’ve shaped their respective fields. Carla Harris serves as senior client advisor at Morgan Stanley, bringing decades of financial services expertise. Shellye Archambeau brings experience as advisor, author, and former CEO of MetricStream to the honoree group.
Rosalind ‘Roz’ Brewer currently serves as interim president of Spelman College, leading the historic HBCU forward. Bennie Wiley directs boards of BNY Mellon Mutual Funds and CBIZ, contributing governance expertise across industries. Collectively, the honorees are celebrated for exceptional leadership and influence across business, arts, education, government, and beyond.
Luminary Honorees Represent Next Generation of Women of Power Leadership
The Luminary Honorees join this year’s Legacy Honorees, recognized for cross-sector impact and emerging leadership. The 2026 Luminary recipients include Shelly Cayette-Weston, president of business operations for the NBA’s Hornets Sports & Entertainment. Jotaka Eaddy brings entrepreneurial vision as founder and CEO of Full Circle Strategies to the honoree roster.
Sandra Douglass Morgan represents sports leadership as president of the Las Vegas Raiders football organization. These women exemplify the next generation of leaders breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. Their recognition alongside established Legacy Honorees creates intergenerational connection and mentorship opportunities that strengthen all women’s advancement.
Women of Power Summit Offers Dynamic Professional Development and Networking
Beyond celebrating Black women leaders, attendees will be energized through dynamic panel discussions and powerful keynotes. The summit features engaging fireside chats with industry titans sharing wisdom and experiences candidly. Professional development panels address real challenges women face climbing corporate and entrepreneurial ladders in today’s economy.
Skills workshops provide practical tools attendees can immediately apply to their careers and leadership journeys. Work-life strategy sessions acknowledge that success requires balancing multiple responsibilities and priorities simultaneously. Meaningful networking opportunities connect women across industries, creating relationships that support career growth and personal development.
Candid Conversations With Top Industry Leaders Provide Invaluable Insights
The Women of Power Summit is designed to equip women with tools to grow careers and drive impact. Attendees gain access to candid conversations with top industry leaders who share lessons learned through experience. These authentic discussions reveal strategies, failures, and successes that textbooks and formal presentations often omit entirely.
The intimate setting encourages vulnerability and honest dialogue about navigating corporate politics, entrepreneurship, and leadership challenges. Women leave with actionable advice, renewed confidence, and expanded networks supporting their professional ambitions. The summit recognizes that meaningful advancement requires both skills development and community support from other women leaders.
2026 Summit Marks Special 20 Years of Power Milestone Celebration
This year’s Summit carries special significance as it marks 20 Years of Power for the event. Two decades of bringing together influential Black women leaders represents a remarkable legacy of its own. The anniversary celebrates sustained commitment to Black women’s professional advancement, leadership development, and community building consistently.
Over twenty years, countless women have attended, connected, learned, and advanced their careers through summit participation. The milestone invites reflection on progress made while acknowledging work remaining to achieve full equity. Celebrating 20 years reinforces the summit’s enduring value and necessity in supporting Black women’s leadership journeys.
Angela Bassett Recognition Highlights Intersection of Arts and Business Leadership
Bassett’s selection as Legacy Honoree highlights the summit’s recognition of diverse leadership paths and contributions. Her career demonstrates that influence and business acumen exist in entertainment just as in traditional corporate settings. Artists who control their narratives, produce their projects, and build lasting careers exemplify entrepreneurial excellence worthy of celebration.
Moreover, her presence inspires women in all fields to pursue excellence while maintaining authenticity and integrity. Bassett’s journey shows that success doesn’t require compromising values or identity to achieve recognition and respect. Her four-decade career serves as blueprint for building sustainable, impactful careers across any industry or sector.
Registration Open for BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit 2026
Women eager to participate in this historic 20th anniversary celebration can register for the summit now. The BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit 2026 promises to deliver inspiration, education, and connection like never before. Early registration ensures access to all programming, networking opportunities, and the chance to celebrate honorees like Angela Bassett.
The summit represents investment in professional development, leadership growth, and community that pays dividends throughout careers. Attendees return to their organizations and communities equipped with new skills, perspectives, and relationships supporting continued advancement. Registration information is available through BLACK ENTERPRISE’s official summit website for those ready to invest in themselves.