By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
As many industry insiders expected, 'American Idol' cast-off Jennifer Hudson garnered a coveted Academy Award nomination -- for her role in the big screen adaptation of the legendary Broadway musical 'Dreamgirls.'
Now the only thing that remains a mystery is whether or not the former Disney Cruise ship singer will have the moxie to bring home the brass statuette.
For her hearty role as Effie Melody White in the Motown-inspired spectacle helmed by first time director Bill Condon, Hudson is facing off against Adriana Barraza (Babel), Abigail Breslin ('Little Miss Sunshine'), Rinko Kikuchi ('Babel') and Cate Blanchett ('Notes on a Scandal) in the category of Best Supporting Actress.
Blanchett, already an Oscar winner (for her role in 2005's 'The Aviator'), is a critics favorite for her role as naïve, lusty British school teacher Sheba Hart in the remarkably sculpted 'Notes On A Scandal' -- also starring Dame Judi Dench. The Australian thespian previously received a nod in 1999 for her role in 'Elizabeth' -- lost to once-hot screen star Gwyneth Paltrow (for her role in 'Shakespeare In Love').
Some experts believe the real race is between her and Hudson.
Win, lose or draw, Hudson --who won the Golden Globe Award in the same category last week-- seems to be basking in the limelight. "I'm just over the top right now," she said upon hearing the news of her win.
'Dreamgirls' led the nominations with eight bids but the much-hyped, box-office challenged musical did not garner a nomination for Best Motion Picture.
Interesting, indeed.
Eddie Murphy, in his first dramatic role as a soul singer past his prime, is the only other 'Dreamgirls' actor nominated this year -- in the Best Supporting Actor category. 'Blood Diamond' star Djimon Hounsou is also facing off in the same category.
Honsou, a former fashion model and music video performer (Janet Jackson's "Love Will Never Do Without You") received high marks for his breakout role in 1997's 'Amistad,' and an Oscar nod for 2003's 'In America.'
In the Best Actor category, Will Smith ('The Pursuit of Happyness') will compete against 'Last King of Scotland' star Forest Whitaker, Leonardo DiCaprio ('Blood Diamond'), Ryan Gosling ('Half Nelson') and Peter O'Toole ('Venus').
'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air' star previously garnered a nomination for his masterful work done in 2001's 'Ali.' For his star turn in 1993's 'Six Degrees of Separation,' the Grammy Award winning hip-hop pioneer made Hollywood take notice of his dramatic acting capabilities.
Nominations were announced this morning in Beverly Hills.
The 79th Academy Awards, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, will be held at the Kodak Theater on Feb. 25.
Comments: (180)
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By: TERA MIKE on 1/25/2007 12:49AM
JUST WANTED TO TELL JENNIFER HUDSON,THAT SHE DID A
WONDERFUL JOB.IT WAS MORE THAN HER ACTING,ALL HER EMOTIONS WERE THERE,SHE REALLY FELT SOMETHING,AND
THAT VOICE I'LL NEVER FORGET IT.I HAVE WATCHED THE
MOVIE FOUR TIMES.THATS HOW MUCH IT MOVED ME,WHEN SHE FOUND OUT SHE WAS PREGNANT,SINGING HER HEART OUT FOR
HIM TO STAY.AND FINDING OUT IN THE END HE HAS A CHILD.
10 STARS GOES OUT TO THE ONE WHO THOUGHT OF THIS MOVIE.
EVERYONE PLAYED THERE PARTS GREAT,BUT JENNIFER MADE ME CRY EACH TIME I GIVE HER 100 STARS.YOU DID IT MS.HUDSON
WISH YOU ALL THE LUCK IN THE WORLD.HOPEFULLY ONE DAY I CAN MEET YOU.THANKS,MS.TERA
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By: Telia Batt on 1/26/2007 3:55PM
Jennifer I gonna pray that u going to WIN this oscar babe.
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By: Thesha Zeigler on 1/25/2007 3:58PM
Ms. Jennifer Hudson words can't describe what an awesome job you did in this movie. My daughter (9) and I went to see the first showing Christmas morning and I was telling her how some singers move you so much you get goosebumps and your hairs stand on end. She didn't know what I was talking about until she heard you sing "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" in the movie. We just cried and held each others hand. Thank you for giving us one of the BEST mother/daughter moments!
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By: shiloh on 1/25/2007 5:08PM
when dreamgirls is over and all the accolades is done with, I wonder if JH will receive the same hype and accolades in future endeavors..time will tell. Will she be a one hit wonder??Who knows. She has a great voice, but so did Jennifer HOliday, so does patti labelle, so did whitney houston. Time will tell. Let her enjoy it for now...by summer everyone will forget about her like they did all the others.
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By: Ms. Barbara on 1/25/2007 5:14PM
Ms. Jennifer Hudson you did it! I am so proud of you. You put your heart and soul in that movie and the songs that you song. The movie brought tears to my eyes. I just want you to know you did a beautiful job and that you have a spirit. I'm looking forward to see what the future holds for you. Thank You Ms Barbara
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By: Terri J. Dixon on 1/25/2007 6:28PM
Jennifer! Jennifer! Oh! My husband and I both watch you in Dreamgirls and you gave me goosebumps. I cried, because I could see that you put all that you had in, "You gonna love me". I seen the passion in your eyes. God Bless You Jennifer, sometimes God has something better in store for you! Terri J. Dixon
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By: Judy on 1/25/2007 6:46PM
I really enjoyed watching dreamgirls..it was the best performance that i seen along time...Jennifer Hudson did a wonderful job. She is a better singer than Beyonce!!!!
YOU GO GIRL (JENNIFER HUDSON)
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By: Lynn on 1/25/2007 7:53PM
Win or lose, J-Hud is already a winner. I wish her the best and all the success. Keep doing what you do and stay focused.
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By: Carthon Ward on 1/26/2007 8:30AM
I cannot say much more that have already been said.But God bless you ,
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By: Ed Coaxum on 1/26/2007 9:26AM
You are a true superstar...I feel you will achieve many things ahead of you in life. I cried, and cried, and cried because you were remarkable. Many movie deals should come your way. I'm writing a movie NOW about Music in Harlem. Please star in mine. God Bless and Good Luck and much success. Peace
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