Birthday girl Ellen Burstyn is one of the acting greats, a veteran who dates back to the early days of the Method and has always found a way to persevere in both her life and career. With six nominations, and a semi-surprise win at the time for Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, she is a true icon and legend, cemented by her 2000 nomination for Requiem for a Dream. She’s great.

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