Jennifer Hudson Honored by Florida Film Critics Circle

Jennifer Hudson, who has been bringing audiences to their feet as Effie in the Dreamgirls film, has won the Florida Film Critics Circle's Pauline Kael Breakout Award.

Theatre veterans Helen Mirren (The Queen) and Cate Blanchett (Notes on a Scandal) were also honored - for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively.

Former "American Idol" finalist Hudson has already garnered an array of critical awards for her performance in Dreamgirls; she is also currently nominated for a Golden Globe Award.

The film version of Dreamgirls, which has so far grossed almost $20 million, also stars Beyonce Knowles, Anika Noni Rose, Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx.

"Set in the turbulent early 1960s to mid-70s, Dreamgirls follows the rise of a trio of women -- Effie (Hudson), Deena (Knowles) and Lorrell (Rose) -- who have formed a promising singing group called The Dreamettes. At a talent competition, they are discovered by an ambitious manager named Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Foxx). Although the Dreams go on to become a crossover phenomenon, they soon realize that the cost of fame and fortune may be higher than they ever imagined," state notes.

Bill Condon, who won an Oscar for his screenplay for Gods and Monsters and gained a second Oscar nomination for his screenplay adaptation of Chicago, wrote the screenplay for Dreamgirls, based on the stage musical's original book by Tom Eyen. The lyrics are by Eyen, with music by Henry Krieger.

Dreamgirls is a co-production of DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, and will be distributed by Paramount.

Visit this link to see a complete list of Florida Film Critics Circle Award-winners.

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