Sounder (1972)

Born in Americus, GA. Originated the role of "Bobo" in Lorraine Hansberry's play, A Raisin in the Sun. He was the first African-American to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Screenplay for the feature film SOUNDER (1972); he and writer William H. Armstrong shared the writing credits for this film, although Armstrong did not receive an Oscar® nomination for the film. Elder began writing for television in the 1950s and wrote episodes for such series as "N.Y.P.D." (1967) and "McCloud" (1970). He wrote the play Ceremonies in Dark Old Men, which he adapted for television. Other screenwriting credits include MELINDA (1972), SOUNDER, PART 2, (1976) and BUSTIN' LOOSE (1981).    Nominated for Writing (Best Screenplay based on material from another medium) 1972: SOUNDER 1 nomination