Renowned actress Angela Bassett has been honored with the prestigious W.E.B. Du Bois Medal at Harvard University. This award recognizes her significant contributions to African and African American studies, as well as the arts. The ceremony took place at Harvard’s Sanders Theatre, where Bassett was celebrated alongside seven other distinguished honorees for their professional excellence and public service.
A Legacy of Excellence
The W.E.B. Du Bois Medal is the highest honor bestowed by Harvard’s Hutchins Center for African and African American Research. During the ceremony held on October 8, 2026, Diane Paulus, the artistic director of the American Repertory Theater, presented the medal to Bassett. Paulus praised the actress for bringing “uncommon depth to portrayals of black women on stage and screen.”
Bassett, who gained critical acclaim for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the 1993 biopic What’s Love Got to Do with It, expressed her gratitude for the recognition. She noted that portraying resilient and courageous women throughout her career has been a transformative privilege. Other 2026 honorees included soccer legend Didier Drogba, singer Mavis Staples, artist Theaster Gates, and filmmaker Lena Waithe.
Voicing The General in Laika’s Wildwood
In addition to her recent academic honors, Bassett is earning praise for her voice performance in the highly anticipated stop-motion fantasy film Wildwood. Directed by Travis Knight and produced by Laika, the film is an adaptation of the novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis.
Bassett provides the voice for The General, a powerful eagle who plays a pivotal role in the film’s central conflict. The character represents a major technical achievement for the studio, requiring intricate physical design to match the intensity of Bassett’s performance.
The Technical Mastery Behind Wildwood
The creation of The General involved a blend of artistry and engineering. According to the production team, the eagle puppet features:
- A massive five-foot wingspan designed for high-stakes aerial sequences.
- Approximately 3,000 individually hand-laid polysatin feathers.
- Intricate practical effects managed by Laika’s character and effects department, led by Ollie Jones.
Wildwood features a star-studded cast, including Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, and Jacob Tremblay. The story follows Prue McKeel as she navigates a forbidden forest on the outskirts of Portland. The film is currently considered a top contender for upcoming animation awards, blending the tactile charm of stop-motion with sophisticated vocal performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal?
It is the highest honor in the field of African and African American studies at Harvard University, awarded by the Hutchins Center to those who have made significant contributions to Black history and culture.
Who are some notable past recipients of the medal?
Past recipients include Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Muhammad Ali, John Lewis, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
What is Angela Bassett’s role in Wildwood?
Angela Bassett voices The General, a powerful eagle character within the film’s stop-motion world.
How many feathers were used on the eagle puppet?
The eagle puppet features 3,000 hand-laid polysatin feathers to achieve its detailed appearance.
When was the W.E.B. Du Bois ceremony held?
The 2026 ceremony took place on Thursday, October 8, at the Sanders Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
