Ruby Dee

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Ruby Dee (American Gangster) 

Legendary actress Ruby Dee has been starring in films—including Raisin in the Sun and Do the Right Thing— for more than 60 years. Her long list of accolades includes an Emmy® win and a Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award®. Now at age 83, she has earned her first Oscar® nomination.

In American Gangster, Ruby plays Mama Lucas, the mother of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas. Though her screen time is short—only about 10 minutes—her performance was memorable enough for the Academy to take notice.