Chadwick Boseman’s widow shares 2021 Oscars speech she would have given if ‘Black Panther’ star won Simone Ledward Boseman, the wife of late actor Chadwick Boseman, revealed the speech she had prepared for her husband if he had won the 2021 Academy Awards. In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Simone, 35, described how she had written a full address in honor of her late spouse, who was posthumously nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his role in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Though Boseman lost to Anthony Hopkins for The Father, Simone expressed pride in the recognition his work received. Simone shared the content of the speech, which began with gratitude to God and extended to Boseman’s family. “I will never stop thanking God for you. Thank you to the most high God. Thank you,” she quoted herself as saying. The speech highlighted Boseman’s qualities, calling him “a spirit that refused to surrender to despair,” and praised his “courage, bravery, fearlessness, honesty, commitment, humanity, strength.” She also acknowledged the collaborative effort behind his work, referring to “what a cast. What a team. What a vision.” Despite the loss, Simone emphasized that being nominated for Best Actor was a significant achievement. She noted that the producers may not have intended for the moment to be uncomfortable, suggesting that if the Best Picture category had been presented first, it might have provided a more celebratory atmosphere before the evening’s conclusion. Boseman’s posthumous recognition extended beyond the Oscars. He won the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards for his performance, and Simone accepted the Golden Globe on his behalf.#hollywood_walk_of_fame #chadwick_boseman #simone_ledward_boseman #hollywood_reporter #golden_globe_awards
