After over 50 years in the business, Ruby Dee is finally half way there to getting an Oscar. She just won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role prize at the 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards for her work as Mama Lucas in 'American Gangster'.
In her acceptance speech, she gave praise to her late husband, the legendary Ossie Davis, "I accept it also for my husband Ossie, because he's working on things up there."
The SAGs are seen as a key indicator to the Academy Awards, which occurs on February 24.
Ms. Dee is also nominated for an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actress category.
With the WGA strike still on, this was the first major televised awards shows that had actors from both the TV and film world in tow. Queen Latifah won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries for her work in 'Life Support'.
Other Motion Pictures Theatrical Winners included:
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role - DANIEL DAY-LEWIS / Daniel Plainview – There Will Be Blood (Paramount Vantage)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role - JULIE CHRISTIE / Fiona – Away From Her (Lionsgate)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role - JAVIER BARDEM / Anton Chigurh – No Country For Old Men (Miramax Films)
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture - NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (Miramax Films)
1. It is about TIME!!!! This is a PHENOMENAL WOMAN and actress who richly deserves far more than a gold statue. She is iconic...a legend, who has made many sacrifices while paving the way for others. I think it would be a shame if she didn't have the opportunity to walk the red carpet on THIS night, although I'm sure she and Ossie have done so in the past. Ms. Dee, I along with many others understand the significance of ALL of your lofty acheivements and we will be watching you as you make your acceptance speech that evening! Many thanks to you and your husband, Ossie Davis, for enriching all of our lives through your powerful and elegant performances.
grain at 2:27AM on Jan 28th 2008