Dreamgirl Hudson is frontrunner for supporting Oscar
"It was terrifying," Jennifer Hudson confessed to me about filming the "Dreamgirls'" blockbuster music number "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" — a classic in Broadway lore that earned another Jennifer (Holliday) the Tony Award as the best actress of 1982.
It's the most anticipated scene in one of the most eagerly awaited movies of the year. Director Bill Condon fretted so much over shooting it that he saved it up for last and closed off the set so no one could spy on the scene. On Broadway, Holliday had just a narrow sliver of stage to pace and wail in anguish as she railed at her music group's manager for dumping her twice: first as lead singer, then as lover. On the film set, Hudson had a vast wide stage to flail, flop, growl and howl.
Since the scene is the romantic heart and musical soul of a beloved Tonys contender-turned-Oscar-best-picture frontrunner, the pressure was on the "American Idol" cast-off hired to portray "The Dreams'" cast-off "Effie" when David Geffen nixed the casting of "Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino. Geffen's bully move turned out to be the salvation of "Dreamgirls" considering how magnificent Hudson is in the role. A test-screening audience not only went crazy for the pic recently in San Diego, but viewers went utterly bonkers over Hudson. Now she can laugh off her loss on "American Idol." All early buzz indicates that "Dreamgirls" is about to transform Hudson into a superstar. Already, she's the frontrunner for the supporting-actress Oscar. Actually, it's surprising she's not a frontrunner for best actress considering Holliday beat her costar Sheryl Lee Ralph (who portrayed Deena — that's Beyonce's role on screen) for the top acting honor at the Tonys, but producers plan to separate the film Dreamdivas at the Oscars, demoting Hudson to supporting because Beyonce has more screen time. And, well, probably just because she's Beyonce. But how ironic considering that's exactly what Beyonce's character does to Hudson's in the "Dreamgirls" story: knocks her out of the lead role!
But humble rookie Hudson seems remarkably cool about all that. "You can imagine how scary and amazing it was to be cast in this movie with giants like Beyonce, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy," she told me Monday night at a special "Dreamgirls" promo in Los Angeles, "but it was absolutely terrifying when I faced that big stage to perform 'And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going.'
"I've never seen the musical," she added. A video survives of Holliday performing "Dreamgirls'" big, knock-your-block-off number at the Tony Awards, but Hudson's never seen that either. (To see it yourself — CLICK HERE!)
"All I know is the stage recording," she said. "I just had that to guide my emotions."
So, what did she do to inform her full physical performance? Just follow the direction of Condon carefully? The choreographer? Or did she just thrust her body wherever her emotions took her on that stage?
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Photo left: Jennifer Holliday wowed Tonycast viewers in 1982 with her rafters-shaking perf of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going." Photo right: ex-"American Idol" Jennifer Hudson may seem like a sweet, too-timid replacement to appear in the film version at first, but early viewers of the movie say she delivers the full emotional wallop.
(Tony Awards/ DreamWorks)
"A little bit of all of that," she said. "Bill let me try all kinds of things."
Hudson recorded the song prior to staging it, but discovered lots of new tugs and aches while giving a full-throttle, body-hurling performance on that stage, so she went back into a studio and recorded the song again.
When editors pulled the final production together and gave it a fast-paced, quickly chopped, energetic look, witnesses say that Condon and Hudson actually topped the magical, bone-chilling accomplishment that Holliday achieved on a Broadway stage.
Monday night at the "Dreamgirls" promo, Paramount/Dreamworks showed the same 20 minutes of the film that aired at the Cannes Film Festival, plus a discarded trailer, to members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and other media. But no glimpse of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going." Not yet. That's the big number producers must save up till the film's December release.
However, the studio did present Jennifer Hudson in person. She wowed the crowd with three musical numbers: a Gladys Knight chestnut ("Where Peaceful Waters Flow"), a "Dreamgirls" standard "One Night Only" plus one of the four new tunes written specifically for the film version — "I Love You, I Do" (to give it four new shots at Oscar noms — old songs don't qualify). Very catchy, very endearing.
Just caught the movie "dream girls" and all I can say is Jennifer you go girl! Her voice is out of this world and she certainly owned the part. I never understood why she wasn't chosen to be america's idol. Well maybe the Lord had other plans for her. Lol. As for the cast my hat goes off to them. Good Job bravo!!!
A canadian!
Posted by: Wendy | December 31, 2007 at 10:59 PM
I LOVED Dreamgirls! I thought Jennifer Hudson was amazing in the movie and fully deserved her Oscar. Beyonce was great too, however her character was more one-dementional which may explain why she didn't seem to connect as well as Hudson. I loved the Dreamgirls performance at the Academy Awards. That was my second favorite part. The first being when Hudson won her Oscar. Overall, great movie. Can't wait till it comesout on DVD.
Posted by: Kelsey | March 03, 2007 at 07:07 PM
Beyonce played an interesting role (She did remind me of Diana Ross). Her actual performces was better than her acting, but she was still convincing. What made Jennifer stand out more was because her emotions fit every scene. The emotion that she showed was very natural. Beyonce and Jennifer are two different types of singers. They both have range, but Jennifer has a more powerful voice. I think Jennifer and Beyonce were perfect for both characters. I can’t see anyone else playing the roles. I think in this movie Beyonce's acting show more of her having to think out the acting and Jennifer's acting was more like 2nd nature. Not to say that both didn't come without needing training because they needed training. It was that Jennifer was able to connect better with her character than Beyonce (emotionally). I think Beyonce was more into the performing and dressing up as the character. Beyonce is a great dancer and such a perfectionist when it comes to dancing. It is obvious in the movie. If Beyonce thinks about her acting as she does like her dancing, then Beyonce can win and Oscar also. I quest to be the perfect character you also have to be apart of the right movie. In this case, Jennifer character was more perfect for her.
Posted by: kim | February 26, 2007 at 01:27 PM
I think that both Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson did an awesome job in Dreamgirls. I fell in love with the movie when I first saw the preview, but I think that Jennifer Hudson is absolutely amazing in the movie dreamgirls in both acting and singing. I did not see all of season 3's America Idol but I wonder why Diana Digarmo was not in Jennifer Hudson's place because I think that Jennifer Hudson the most amazing voice. I am so happy that she got dreamgirls. I am in love with Jennifer Hudson now and I love the Listen song that Beyonce sings. I give them both props but mostly to Jennifer good job sweetie.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 29, 2007 at 06:25 AM
First and foremost, I would like to commend all of the actors and actresses for their phenomenal job in Dreamgirls. To the director, producer and all who made the movie the best of 2006, job well done! I personally, saw the movie and was thrilled with what I saw. It was so great, in fact, I went to see it two times back to back. I went in to the movie the first time thinking that it was all Beyonce' and this was her movie (from the way they publicized it), but after watching the movie, I found out that it was not Beyonce' at all, it was newcomer Jennifer Hudson. I would have to say that both ladies did a great job, but all the recognition and applause goes to Jennifer Hudson. I read you all's previous comments and you are arguing over something that is pointless. Yes, it may seem that it's not right that Beyonce' is nominated for the Best Actress category and Jennifer is nominated for Best Supporting Actress, but no matter how you may look at it, either way Jennifer is still getting her fair share in the press. She is constantly being commended for her role of Effie, whereas Beyonce only gets little recognition. So regardless, no matter how the awards are set up, Jennifer has still won over Beyonce' based on her pubicity. Jennifer is a beautiful, talented, inspirational and ambitious young woman with a wonderful personality. She has no time to worry about Beyonce' or no one else. She is praising God for this opportunity of a lifetime that he has allowed her to receive. I listen to some of her interviews and she constantly says that it's by the grace of God that she's been able to perform so greatly. She is a winner regardless. She did what she had to do in the movie, she performed her role to a T and she has won numerous awards along with a new fan who will forever support her on whatever she sets out to do in the future, ME! Great job, Beyonce'! Great job, Jennifer! You both deserve to be recognized. Beyonce', you have everything, you have accomplished your goals and everything that you set out to do, God Bless You! But now, Jennifer, it's your turn! You are a star, so continue to SHINE! God Bless!!!
Posted by: *The Stara* | January 21, 2007 at 07:12 PM
I saw Dreamgirls, and was floored by Jennifer Hudson's performance...both singing and acting. I have no animosity towards Beyonce, but if she had class and was confident in her ability, she would not continually try to upstage Jennifer Hudson's time in the limelight..i.e. Oprah, the NYC premeire, or make have hearted comments about her. No doubt, she should be considered for Best Actress period! Despite her and Dreamworks' efforts, Hudson still shines through.
Every review I've read and 3 different movie theathers in houston (Beyonce's hometown) gave JHud a standing O during and after the movie credits rolled. They can block Hudson from the previews, limit her appearances, and even limit her contractually, but they cannot convince the general public nor the critics that count (SAG, Oscar, NYCC) when it come down to it. What is appauling this is the opinion of the majority, and yet Beyonce's is still considered the star. At best Beyonce's performance was lackluster and plain, although not terrible.
It's Ok...JHud will shine in January (SAG,GG)and late February(Oscar).
Posted by: Darock | January 08, 2007 at 03:25 PM
My husband and I just saw the movie last night and we just want to say, "Way to go Jennifer!" She stole the show. We walked out of that theater wondering why in the world was Jennifer Hudson nominated for best supporting actress and not best actress when clearly she was outstanding in this movie. When is the world going to wake up and just do what is right! Let's stop being followers and be leaders and give honor and recognition to who deserves it. No matter how long they have been in show biz. Yes, Beyonce is talented but Jennifer is the best actress and singer in this movie. She should be nominated as best actress no matter who she is going up against.
Posted by: AB | January 06, 2007 at 11:34 AM
Well, as some of you may know, Beyonce is out of the loop for winning an Oscar for co-writing the song "Listen". The academy will only acknowledge 3 of the main contributers to the writing of the song. Beyonce contributed very little writing to the song.
And as for her getting a Best Actress nod...that is not going to happen. She is up against some pretty heavy hitters in this category (Helen Mirrren, Meryl Streep, Penelope Cruz, Kate Winslet, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Anette Bening, Toni Collette and Dame Judi Dench), it will not happen for her. She has been getting some major bad reviews for her performance, she is way out of her league when is come to getting a nod from Oscar, WAAAAAYYYY OUUUTTT!!!!
Posted by: Patty | January 04, 2007 at 12:00 PM
******* THE PRODUCERS DECIDE WHO GETS NOMINATED FOR LEAD OR SUPPORTING ACTOR*****NOT BEYONCE**THE PRODUCERS*****THE ONES WHO HAVE THE MONEY WHO MADE THE MOVIE****THE NOMINATIONS ARE ABOUT MONEY**** You give Beyonce too much credit if you think she can control who gets nominated for an Oscar. Their thought was Jennifer would probably have the best chance if she was put in as the supporting category. Which means they would come away with a win. [she was amazing]
The movie was wonderful and I don't need a bunch of rich white people to tell me I was right. Everyone was great in the movie and I would hope that my fellow brother and sisters would join me in being proud of all the people in the movie who showed the world that we have several very talented, very different, all beautiful people in our culture.
Hats off to Eddie Murphy...long time fan of his.
joy
Posted by: Almond Joy | January 04, 2007 at 05:58 AM
i am sad that beyonce would allow jennifer to be pushed down into supporting actress, when infact, she is without a doubt the lead. there is no excuse, no reason (outside of promoting beyonce), and no class for doing so. i think that beyonce should look at this as a black mark on her fame record. jen out sang everyone in that movie and represented her character well. i think that this is an issue that should be viewed within its' context, since if the tables were turned, jennifer being famous and beyonce just arriving that the public would be just as upset. it's just wrong.
Posted by: JM | December 31, 2006 at 01:58 PM
Well, I think that everyone is right and wrong. I mean I have been to see "Dreamgirls" 5 times already and have noticed many things everytime I watched it. I must say that although Beyonce is a non-natural beauty(meaning she is what hollywood wants and longs after physically) she has a beautiful voice and is humble at times, noticed I said at times. I have met her and kelly and Michelle many times and Kelly and Michelle are both wonderful women and so is Beyonce but sometimes money and fame can give you a bigger head than you need. No I am not hating on her, because I adore her as a singer and everyonce in a while as an actor. But In this movie Jennifer Hudson although coming on the movie scene deserves the role as best actress in a movie. Beyonce had her moment when she sung "Listen" in the booth, but Jennifer and the other girl(not sure of her name) shined the whole movie. Jennifer is a full-figured beauty and because of that she is more beautiful than most. She has a wonderful spiritand a powerful magnifient voice that can send chills down your spine. Everyone deserves a nomination but they have the titiles for the nominations backwards.
Posted by: Nay-nay | December 31, 2006 at 01:44 PM
Dreamgirls is a fantastic movie! The entire cast was great, and I mean everyone, but clearly Jennifer Hudson's "Effie " was the larger if not main character in the movie and therefore Hudson should be considered for the best actress award rather than supporting actress.
Posted by: K Dub | December 29, 2006 at 05:40 PM
I saw the movie and it was better than the musical i saw when i was nine years of age. Beyonce' is like my favorite r&b artist so i cant say nothing bad of her, but Jennifer did shine in this movie. I thought she had the lead role, because i saw more her than beyonce'. I am an actor and in school getting my bachelor in musical theatre at kent state university, and I believe Jennifer should recieve a oscar over Beyonce, only because in this movie Beyonce to me didnt act to her abilities, as Jennifer a new actor /singer in the horizon did, who never seen the play, or been in a movie.
Posted by: Jasreail James | December 26, 2006 at 10:11 AM
........and one more thing, why is that nobody is creating a rivalry between jamie foxx and eddie murphy? why is it that the world must always target women?
Posted by: nahum welang | December 25, 2006 at 10:41 AM
ALL OF U GUYS ARE STUPID FOR HATING ON BEYONCE. WHY MUST U ALWAYS CREATE COMPETITION? IF JENNIFER HUDSON IS GOOD IN DREAMGIRLS WHY DON'T U SIMPLY SAY THAT SHE WAS GOOD? MUST U TRY TO COMPARE HER WITH BEYONCE? UR ARGUMENTS ARE CHILDISH AND FOOLISH. THE FACT THAT BEYONCE IS IN A LEAD ROLE DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE STUDIO IS TRYING TO MAKE HER HAVE THE OSCAR INSTEAD OF HUDSON.DON'T U KNOW THAT IN SOME MOVIES IN ORDER FOR A SUPPORTING ACTOR TO SHINE THERE HAS TO BE A LEAD ACTOR? iF THERE WAS NO DEENA JONES IN DREAMGIRLS EFFIE WUD NOT A POWERFUL CHARACTER. EFFIE EMERGES AS A STRONG CHARACTER BECOS SHE CHALLENGES DEENA AND CURTIS AND THE INDUSTRY'S TECHNIQUE OF PREFERING MORE BEAUTIFUL WOMEN. TAKE COLD MOUNTAIN FOR EXAMPLE, RENEE ZELLWGER EMERGED AS A POWERFUL CHARACTER BECOS OF HER ABILITY TO NURTURE THE LEAD CHARACTER PLAYED BY NICOLE KIDMAN. SO JUST BECAUSE HUDSON WAS GREAT AS EFFIE BEYONCE SHOULD NOT BE NOMINATED FOR BEST ACTRESS? HOW PATHETIC IS THAT? BEYONCE WAS FANTASTIC AS DEENA AND SHE GAVE A CONVINCING PERFORMANCE.IF HUDSON GAVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE IN THE MOVIE DOES THAT MEAN THAT BEYONCE DID NOT ACT WELL? INSTEAD OF ACKNOWLEDGING BOTH WOMEN FOR DOING A GREAT JOB IN THIS MOVIE, YOU PEOPLE DECIDE TO TRY AND CREATE JEALOUSY BETWEEN TWO POWERFUL BLACK WOMEN. U GUYS R REALLY ASSHOLES. U CAN HATE ON BEYONCE ALL U WANT BUT SHE IS ON TOP OF HER GAME AND GOD-WILLING SHE WIL CONTINUE TO SHOW THE WORLD HOW TALENTED SHE IS. AND DID I HEAR SOMEONE SAY BEYONCE IS NOT A GREAT SINGER? HATERS WILL SAY ANYTHING. WHEN THE CAST OF DREAMGIRLS CAME TO OPRAH, BEYONCE SANG 'LISTEN' LIVE AND SHE RECEIVED A STANDING OVATION FROM EVERYBODY IN THE CROWD; SHE WAS SPECTACULAR AND THAT'S WHY SHE HAS 9 GRAMMYS. JUST BECOS SHE IS BEAUTIFUL DOSEN'T MEAN SHE IS NOT TALENTED. IT'S NOT HER FAULT THAT SHE IS BEAUTIFUL AND TALENTED AT THE SAME TIME. HATERS GONNA HATE BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, BEYONCE WILL ALWAYS GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS ONE OF THE OUTSTANDING BLACK ENTERTAINERS OF HER GENAERATION WHO DESPITE THE HATE AGAINST PEOPLE OF COLOR IN THE INDUSTRY WAS ABLE TO EXCEL TO THE PINNACLE OF FAME.
Posted by: nahum welang | December 25, 2006 at 01:23 AM
what i dont undertsnad is why we keep on camparing everyone with Beyonce. Beyonce is ok, she simply uses her body more than her voice to sell records. She claims that she wants to win an oscar, but it wont be for this role though. Jenifer did an excellent job, I dont think Beyonce can sing like her either. She sings from the soul liek aritha, whitney,gladys,etta and you now, the old souls.
I think that shouls should win, and if she doesnt we will see the type of society that be live in for its true colors
Posted by: RAUL | December 19, 2006 at 06:01 PM
i think it's horrible that they would insist the lead character take the supporting nomination. if your the lead, you should be nominated for best actor/actress. end of story. I feel really bad for all the other supporting actresses.
Posted by: booyah jones | December 14, 2006 at 05:13 PM
I was actually angry when Jennifer Hudson was dropped from American Idol...I had voted about ten times that night. I also felt that she was equal to Fantasia, not better or worse. Both of them can sing their butts off. Everybody who knows anything about singing knew that the public was wrong for voting Hudson off, but I predicted that someone with sense in show biz would recognize Jennifer's talent and not allow her to sink into obscurity. And now, HERE SHE IS: in a leading role in DREAMGIRLS! I will be rooting for her to become one of the major singing actresses. I also am hoping for the best for Fantasia Barrino. Together, they are a breath of fresh air and the two who are truly SINGING these days in an age where hip/hop has ruined black music. Jennifer and Fantasia are keeping the classic singing of soul music alive. For that I, along with Aretha Franklin, thank them.
Posted by: Oliver | December 02, 2006 at 10:01 PM
When their was talk about a "Dreamgirls" movie, I thought Jennifer Hudson would be perfect as Effie. Not only did Jennifer nail the part, it would be a travesty if Hudson doesn't get nominated for an Academy Award. This is one of the best musicals in years, it deserves every Oscar nod!
Posted by: Anthony | November 21, 2006 at 12:38 PM
Jennfier hudson is a musical power whose star is about shine brighter than ever. Dreamgirls will show the world what a mistake the voters made on american idol. As an actress Jennifer presented herself as a seasoned vet and we should look forward to many movie projects from her. What can i say about Beyonce that already hasen't been said. Beyonce is a star that continues to amaze us with her talent, just when you think she has peaked she let's us know that we have not seen the depth of her ability. Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx and Danny Glover all gave outstanding performances. DreamGirls is a movie that i've wanted for a long time, not since The Wiz have we seen an all star magical performance like DreamGirls.
Posted by: Christopher Allan Brantley | October 31, 2006 at 04:40 PM
I went to a private screening of "Dreamgirls" last night a Paramount studios. And ya'll won't be dissappointed...it was great! Jennifer Hudson stole the movie! Beyonce did an excellent job...and she has improved tremendously in acting! She was a knock out!...so was Anika Noni Rose! It was a strong ensemble of actors....BUT- Jennifer was great! and I told her so after the viewing...this is HER TIME TO SHINE! This movie will make her a STAR!
Rltfr
Posted by: ReRe | September 26, 2006 at 10:17 PM
jennifer hudson IS the best singer in the universe!!!!!!!!!!! I have loved her since she started singing share your love with me in her audition for american idol!! still don't understand how she got 7th place...but of course we live in a country that voted for Bush...lmao!!!!!!!!! GO JHUD!!!
Posted by: rob | September 17, 2006 at 12:14 PM
I'm sorry, I saw The Devil Wears Prada and even though Meryl Streep was brilliant as always, I don't consider Miranda Priestley to be the sublime role of the year in the way Hilary Swank or Kate Winslet had provided in 2004. I thought Streep, however much I love her, to be just as good as she was in The RIver WIld, which was not an Oscar-nominated role. She is good in everything, but sometimes you need to face facts that even though she's good, this is not a role I would call out Best Actress Oscar honors for. I would only nominate her, in fact, for Best Supp. Actress, and even then I still think there are probably better performances out there. The Devil Wears Prada felt like such a glam-fab role that only the Golden Globes would really take notice of.
As for Dreamgirls, I am also suspicious of the promotional stuff going on now. Showing the same 20-minute clip at two festivals and calling out nominations for the whole cast and crew sounds a lot like King Kong's promo people this time last year. But did King Kong really deserve a bunch of Oscars for its acting and crew? Maybe Naomi Watts, but still, that's pushing it. In all honesty, you know it will come down to Kate Winslet vs. Annette Bening anyhow, so why should we bother with anybody else?
Posted by: Michelle | September 07, 2006 at 10:50 PM
Man, the PR machine is in full action early. TOO MUCH. It's making me skeptical.
Posted by: Nick | September 02, 2006 at 10:31 AM
Go Beyonce!!!
Posted by: ChrisEvans is a pathetic sucidal loser... | August 29, 2006 at 12:32 AM