Angela Bassett is a fan favorite. She won our hearts as the Queen of Wakanda in the last year’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Fans loved her performance so much that they couldn’t understand how Jamie Lee Curtis could have won the Oscar for Supporting Role over her. But they can now feel slightly validated because TIME Magazine recognized what the Academy probably couldn’t: Bassett is a force to reckon with in Hollywood and among the 100 Most Influential People in 2023. And no one could agree more than the iconic Tina Turner.

If anyone knows why Bassett belongs on the TIME 100 list, it is Turner, for the actress portrayed the Swiss singer in What’s Love Got to Do with It. And Turner doesn’t shy away from showering praises.

Tina Turner recalls her first meeting with Angela Bassett in her TIME 100 note

When you have a movie to make on the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the choice of lead actress matters a lot, especially when the said singer is alive to see that film. And when someone is going to play you in a Hollywood flick, it is natural to feel skeptical about them getting your essence right. Tina Turner had similar feelings when the 1993 film What’s Love Got to Do with It started its casting and production. But all of that changed when she realized Angela Bassett was going to “sing, dance, and act like” her.

“Angela, the first time we met, you didn’t look, sound, or move like me,” wrote Turner in her message to Bassett on TIME. At first glance, the singer knew the Black Panther actress was perfect. And it proved true, not because she emulated the Grammy winner’s mannerisms perfectly, but because she found her “inner Tina.”

Turner explained her case further by sharing a few things that make her a worthy entrant on TIME’s list: the strength and determination she found in Bassett the first time they met; the actress’s gift of becoming (not acting) her characters; and the belief she has in herself.

The Oscars might have not honored Bassett for her riveting performance this year, but Tina Turner certainly did. The singer’s heartfelt note, however, was a favor returned for the honor the actress gave through her portrayal of the Nutbush-born singer in the 1993 film.

How did Bassett fare as Turner?

Named after the singer’s only Billboard Hot 100 number 1 song, What’s Love Got to Do with It had Angela Bassett playing Tina Turner and Laurence Fishburne as Ike Turner’s role, the Swiss singer’s former husband and musical duo partner. With such powerhouse actors, the movie fared well and received critical acclaim. While both Turners did call out the film’s largely fictional elements following the film’s release, the praises for Bassett’s and Fishburne’s performances remained consistent.

Both actors received Oscar nominations for their work in the 1993 film and while Bassett lost the Academy Award, she received others. Golden Globes and NCAAP Image Awards awarded the actress for her performance in the Brian Gibson directorial. Years later, she got the best recognition for her work through Turner’s note on TIME.

What did you think about Bassett being among the 100 Most Influential People in 2023 and Turner’s note for her? Share your thoughts in the comments.