BlackTree TV covers The 80th Annual Academy Awards

Best Supporting Actress

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee has been a star of stage and screen since her 1946 Broadway debut in Anna Lucasta. She has since appeared hundreds of times in plays, movies and television shows, frequently co-starring with her husband, actor Ossie Davis. The pair, married since 1948, are also famous for their off-screen activism and work on behalf of African-Americans in the performing arts. Dee's films include The Jackie Robinson Story (1950), A Raisin in the Sun (1961, with Sidney Poitier), Do the Right Thing (1988, directed by Spike Lee) and Baby Geniuses (1999).

Cate Blanchett

Saoirse Ronan

Amy Ryan

Tilda Swinton

American Gangster

Following the death of his employer and mentor, Bumpy Johnson, Frank Lucas establishes himself as the number one importer of heroin in the Harlem district of Manhattan. He does so by buying heroin directly from the source in South East Asia and he comes up with a unique way of importing the drugs into the United States. As a result, his product is superior to what is currently available on the street and his prices are lower. His alliance with the New York Mafia ensures his position. It is also the story of a dedicated and honest policeman, Richie Roberts, who heads up a joint narcotics task force with the Federal government. Based on a true story.

Cast

Cast: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Carla Gugino, John Hawkes, Ted Levine, RZA, T.I., Yul Vazquez, Common

Production Team

Directed by Ridley Scott
Writer: Steve Zaillian
Produced by Brian Grazer
Executive Producers: Nick Pileggi, Steve Zaillian, Branko Lustig, Karen Kehela Sherwood, James Whitaker, Michael Costigan