S. Epatha Merkerson has won critical acclaim for her brilliant work in theatre, television and film. She garnered a 2006 NAACP Image Award, Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, SAG Award, Gracie Allen Award and an IFP Spirit nomination for her portrayal of Rachel "Nanny" Crosby in the HBO film "Lackawanna Blues." Merkerson is best known for her role on "Law & Order," of which she recently received a 2006 NAACP Image Award for her portrayal of Anita Van Buren, and this season marks her 14th year as a series regular. Lieutenant Anita Van Buren is a touchstone for Detectives Green (Jesse L. Martin) and Cassady (Milena Govich), offering her wisdom to guide their investigations.