Norma Rae is a 1979 American drama film that tells the story of a factory worker from a small town in North Carolina, who becomes involved in the labor union activities at the textile factory where she works. The film stars Sally Field in the titular role, Beau Bridges as Norma Rae's husband, Sonny, and Ron Leibman as union organizer Reuben Warshowsky. The movie was written by Harriet Frank, Jr. and Irving Ravetch, and was directed by Martin Ritt. It is based on the true story of Crystal Lee Sutton (1940–2009), which was told in the 1975 book Crystal Lee, a Woman of Inheritance by New York Times reporter Henry P. Leifermann. Norma Rae was filmed on location in Opelika, Alabama. The mill scenes were shot at Opelika Manufacturing, and the motel scenes were filmed at The Golden Cherry Motel. Sally Field won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal as Norma Rae Webster. Norma Rae won a total of 2 awards, plus 6 other nominations. The film was selected for inclusion in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 2011.