Anjelica Huston is part of the third generation of a major Hollywood dynasty, but she proved herself to be a major talent in her own right, with an Oscar win for Prizzi’s Honor, two subsequent nominations for Enemies, A Love Story and The Grifters, and sterling performances in movies like The Addams Family and The Crossing Guard. (Both are nomination-worthy; in fact, both were nominated at the Golden Globes.)

One other performance worthy of an Oscar nomination, especially in a so-so field? Her performance in the 2008 film Choke, which may include the most perfectly timed teardrop of all time.

This article is part of a special year-long series of anecdotes, reflections and thoughts about the Academy Awards.