Jennifer Hudson Wins Best Supporting Actress Oscar

Dreamgirls star Jennifer Hudson, who plays Effie Melody White in the hit film, has just been announced as the winner of the Best Supporting Actress Oscar. In an emotional speech, she thanked her family, God, the cast, director Bill Condon and original Effie, Jennifer Holiday.

The other nominees were Adriana Barraza for Babel, Abigail Breslin for Little Miss Sunshine, Cate Blanchett for Notes on a Scandal, and Rinko Kikuchi for Babel.

Hudson, who rose to fame as a finalist on "American Idol" and has appeared onstage in the Actors' Fund concert of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, has also picked up a multitude of critical awards for her turn as Effie.   It was recently announced that she will record her debut solo album with legendary producer Clive Davis this March.

Dreamgirls, featuring music by Henry Krieger, lyrics by Tom Eyen and direction and adaptation by Bill Condon (who based his screenplay on Eyen's book for the 1981 Broadway musical), is produced by DreamWorks.  The movie musical also features Eddie Murphy, Beyonce Knowles, Anika Noni Rose and Jamie Foxx.

The Oscars are currently being broadcast live on ABC from the Kodak Theatre in L.A.

Visit www.oscars.com for more information and a full list of nominees.

Photo of Jennifer Hudson by Retna Ltd.