theOscarSite Bio: Jamal Joseph, appointed acting chair of Columbia University's School of the Arts film division in 2006, is a writer, director, producer, poet, activist and educator. He is artistic director of the New Heritage Theatre and Impact Repertory Theatre in Harlem, and has taught in Columbia's film division for nine years. His book, Tupac Shakur Legacy, published in 2006 by Atria, is a biography of the rap/hip-hop artist Tupac Shakur. It is an "interactive biography," with removable reproductions of Tupac's handwritten lyrics, notebook pages, personal memorabilia, and a CD featuring rare interviews.

Joseph's writing/directing credits include DRIVE BY: A LOVE STORY (1997), "Hughes' Dream Harlem" (2002, TV) and 30 DAYS (2006, also producer). Other producing credits include A-ALIKE (2003, co-exec. prod.) and BABA KING (2007, exec. prod.). Other television writing credits include "The Many Trials of Tammy B" (1996), "Ali: An American Hero" (2000), and "Knights of the South Bronx" (2005, teleplay).

· Achievement in Music - Original Song 2007: AUGUST RUSH - "Raise It Up" - Music & Lyric (w. Charles Mack and Tevin Thomas)