ACADEMY AWARDS 2007: Face-Off

By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

'American Idol' cast off Jennifer Hudson garnered an Academy Award nomination for her debut role in 'Dreamgirls' 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.