<P> The film, set in 1995 and based heavily on Eminem's real life upbringing, is an account of a young, aspiring white rapper named Jimmy "B - Rabbit" Smith Jr . (Eminem), who lives in a trailer park in Warren, Michigan, and his attempt to launch a career in hip - hop, a genre dominated by African - Americans . The film's title is derived from 8 Mile Road, the highway that runs along the border between predominantly black city of Detroit and Wayne County, and its predominantly white Oakland County and Macomb County suburbs . </P> <P> Filmed mostly on location in Detroit and its surrounding areas, the film was both a critical and commercial success . Eminem won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Lose Yourself". </P> <P> In Fall 1995 in Detroit, Jimmy "B - Rabbit" Smith Jr . (Eminem), a blue - collar worker from a poor family, struggles with various aspects of his life . He has moved back north of 8 Mile Road to the run - down trailer home in Warren, Michigan of his alcoholic mother Stephanie (Kim Basinger), his little sister Lily (Chloe Greenfield), and Stephanie's abusive live - in boyfriend Greg (Michael Shannon). Although encouraged by his friends who hail him as a talented rapper, Jimmy worries about his potential as a musician, due to his lack of confidence . This causes him to panic during a rap battle one night at a local venue called "The Shelter" and he leaves the stage humiliated . </P> <P> Jimmy works at a car factory, but when he asks for extra shifts, his supervisor laughs, and dismisses his request on account of his habitual lateness . Jimmy befriends a woman named Alex (Brittany Murphy). Over time, Jimmy begins to take more responsibility for the direction of his life . When he exhibits an improved attitude and performance at work, his supervisor grants him the extra shifts he requested . </P>

Who played eminem's mom in the movie 8 mile