The high life suits Dreamgirls star – and Golden Globe favorite! – Jennifer Hudson, who poses next to a customized Rolls-Royce Phantom at a private Beverly Hills bash on Thursday.
Full Version: Jennifer Hudson
ROLL WITH IT
The high life suits Dreamgirls star – and Golden Globe favorite! – Jennifer Hudson, who poses next to a customized Rolls-Royce Phantom at a private Beverly Hills bash on Thursday.
The high life suits Dreamgirls star – and Golden Globe favorite! – Jennifer Hudson, who poses next to a customized Rolls-Royce Phantom at a private Beverly Hills bash on Thursday.
"Who cares what Simon Cowell has to say?"
– Former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson, as she accepted the New York Critics Circle Award for best supporting actress in Dreamgirls
– Former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson, as she accepted the New York Critics Circle Award for best supporting actress in Dreamgirls
now i have no plans to see this movie.. it just does not interest me, but i have heard there is oscar Buzz for Jennifer.. now.. is it becasue she can ACT or is she just a REALLY GREAT singer, becasue there really is a difference..
QUOTE (doggiestore @ Jan 12 2007, 04:55 PM) 
now i have no plans to see this movie.. it just does not interest me, but i have heard there is oscar Buzz for Jennifer.. now.. is it becasue she can ACT or is she just a REALLY GREAT singer, becasue there really is a difference..
I won't see the movie either, but I think the oscar buzz is derived from her ability to sing..
This girl CAN sing!
QUOTE (doggiestore @ Jan 12 2007, 02:55 PM)
now i have no plans to see this movie.. it just does not interest me, but i have heard there is oscar Buzz for Jennifer.. now.. is it becasue she can ACT or is she just a REALLY GREAT singer, becasue there really is a difference..
I've seen it and the girl can act too!
cuz if she wins an oscar for the singing... does that mean we can expect Mariah to win one some time soon.. cuz she can sing too ( when she tries)
I hope no one thinks i am knocking Jennifer. I think respect is due for someone with Talent, and yes she is talented, but i hate that OSCAR BUZZ starts before a movie is released, and it is not based on the correct criteria..
Though i do wish Jennifer a great career.. and i hope she doesn't turn into a tooth pick.!
I hope no one thinks i am knocking Jennifer. I think respect is due for someone with Talent, and yes she is talented, but i hate that OSCAR BUZZ starts before a movie is released, and it is not based on the correct criteria..
Though i do wish Jennifer a great career.. and i hope she doesn't turn into a tooth pick.!
QUOTE (doggiestore @ Jan 12 2007, 01:15 PM)
cuz if she wins an oscar for the singing... does that mean we can expect Mariah to win one some time soon.. cuz she can sing too ( when she tries)
I hope no one thinks i am knocking Jennifer. I think respect is due for someone with Talent, and yes she is talented, but i hate that OSCAR BUZZ starts before a movie is released, and it is not based on the correct criteria..
Though i do wish Jennifer a great career.. and i hope she doesn't turn into a tooth pick.!
I hope no one thinks i am knocking Jennifer. I think respect is due for someone with Talent, and yes she is talented, but i hate that OSCAR BUZZ starts before a movie is released, and it is not based on the correct criteria..
Though i do wish Jennifer a great career.. and i hope she doesn't turn into a tooth pick.!
When did someone when the Oscar Award for just singing? Even though I'd like to believe that people win the award based on talent...I think politics are involved so that kind of spoils it for me. Example Julia Roberts(Ellen Brockowitz) over Ellen Burstyn(Requiem For A Dream)...Denzel(Training Day) over Russell Crowe(A Beautiful Mind) we all know Denzel was robbed for Hurricane....so they robbed Russell because he was an arse and roughed up a producer.
I saw the movie and she did a fantastic job singing and acting. She blew Beyonce out of the water, although in all fairness, she did better than I expected.
Definitely one of my fav movies this year.
Definitely one of my fav movies this year.
Are Oscar odds stacked against ‘Dreamgirls’?
Film with predominately African American cast has never taken the prize
COMMENTARY
By Miki Turner
MSNBC contributor
“Dreamgirls” was inarguably one of the most anticipated feature films of 2006. It had big names — Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy and Oscar winner James Foxx. It had the kind of musical score that kept you humming long after leaving the local multiplex. And, most of all, it had hype.
Based on the 1981 Broadway musical that won five Tony Awards, “Dreamgirls” purportedly chronicled the events that broke up The Supremes, one of the most successful girl groups in history. Was this the way it went down? Did Diana Ross become the Supreme diva? Was Florence Ballard forced out because Ross was seemingly more appealing to crossover audiences?
Probably. Maybe. Most definitely.
Also, could the new Dreamgirls — Knowles, Anika Noni Rose and Jennifer Hudson — top the original trio of Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine and Jennifer Holliday? Would Deena Jones (the Ross character) be that breakthrough role for Knowles? And most importantly, would “Dreamgirls” get any love during awards season.
Nope (I can say that because I saw the original play). Not so much. And, so far, so good.
The film has received multiple nominations from all the major awards shows — the Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild and the NAACP Image Awards. Hudson, who has generated the most buzz for her portrayal of Effie White (purportedly based on Ballard) has already been honored by the New York, Phoenix, Washington D.C. and Southeastern film critics as well as the National Board of Review. Hudson is favored to win this year’s best supporting actress prize at the Academy Awards next month.
Additionally, Murphy might get a supporting nod at the Oscars for his performance as the talented, but tormented R&B singer James “Thunder” Early. It’s highly unlikely, however, that Knowles, who is up for best actress at the Globes and SAGs will hear her name called on Jan. 23, when the Academy nominations are announced. Hers is not an Oscar-worthy performance.
Is the film worthy?
But what about the film? Could “Dreamgirls” be the first musical to win an Academy Award for best picture since “Chicago” in 2003? Despite the fact both films were scripted by Bill Condon (who also directs “Dreamgirls”), Academy voters might be swayed by what the film ultimately does at the box office. When it opened on Christmas Day “Dreamgirls,” which cost an estimated $70 million earned an impressive $8.7 million in limited release (less than 900 screens). But it earned just over $18 million during its opening weekend and $8.8 million last weekend. And, it has yet to claim the No. 1 spot.
In a town that values quantity over quality, these things matter.
This weekend, however, “Dreamgirls” will borrow a page from the “Chicago” playbook and expand to 1,900 theaters. This move will hopefully not only improve its take, but also convince those Academy voters straddling the line that “Dreamgirls” is a legitimate contender for best picture. The trickle factor obviously worked for “Chicago,” another film that started small, but finished big. “Chicago,” however, was a critically acclaimed film with a predominantly white cast.
You either loved it or you hated it.
“Dreamgirls” is a film with a predominantly African American cast. But it’s the gray areas — particularly when it comes to the performances — that may affect his chances of winning.
Hudson is superb, but if she weren’t covering Holliday’s signature show-stopping tune — “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” — she might be struggling to emerge from the shadows like Rose, a Tony Award-winning actress who is underused. Murphy is good, but not great. Knowles is almost forgettable — save for her solo number — and Oscar winner Jamie Foxx was way too subdued to make any kind of memorable impact on audiences.
But then there’s the music. The title tune, the Hudson number and Knowles’ “Listen,” will most definitely encourage viewers to plop down $18 for the soundtrack and may even impress all of those jaded voters who feel that musicals belong on the stage and not the screen.
In this case they might be right. “Dreamgirls” was a phenomenal play. As a film, it’s entertaining but uneven. Sure, it will probably win the Golden Globe — particularly since the Hollywood Foreign Press honors films in two categories — musical/comedy and drama. But, it will have a hard time overcoming its likely competitors — sure shots such as “The Departed” and “The Queen” at the Oscars.
Battling history
Plus it has history going against it. No film with a predominantly African American cast has ever won best picture.
Is it time that one did? For sure. But Dreamgirls with all its star power and glam probably won’t do in 2007 what “The Color Purple” and “Malcolm X” (which wasn’t nominated) should have done in 1986 and 1993 respectively — and that is win. And while “Ray,” which was nominated in 2005, was both a critical and financial success, it was no “Million Dollar Baby.”
The critics who have praised “Dreamgirls” will likely claim that an Academy that recently honored Halle Berry, Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx with golden boys for best actress/actor, is not ready to embrace a film detailing the struggles African Americans face when they fail to assimilate to the dominant culture. That would be like admitting that “Crash,” last year’s best-picture winner, was truly an accurate portrayal of life in America.
We can’t have art imitating real life and winning awards for it!
The collective victories of Berry, Washington, Foxx and others have opened the door a little wider for African Americans in the film industry, but it still remains only ajar. It’s often said by black and white actors alike that the only color studio heads ever see is green. Well, American currency is green and white.
The critics who have panned “Dreamgirls” will probably say that it was a flawed film and it doesn’t even deserve to be nominated. Musicals tend to bore “serious” critics who would much rather debate the camera angles Martin Scorsese used in “Gangs of New York” as opposed to the ones he used in “The Departed.” And, if by chance “Dreamgirls” does win, they’ll say that it slipped through because the vote was spilt.
Regardless “Dreamgirls” will probably receive more nominations than some of the more favored films because it is a musical. That usually means nods for costumes, sound, mixing, cinematography and music — original songs and score. It most certainly deserves the most of these.
And who knows maybe the moon will be in the seventh house and Jupiter will be aligned with Mars on Oscar night so that “Dreamgirls” can make history. Dreams come true every day in Hollywood — especially with a good marketing campaign.
© 2007 MSNBC Interactive
Film with predominately African American cast has never taken the prize
COMMENTARY
By Miki Turner
MSNBC contributor
“Dreamgirls” was inarguably one of the most anticipated feature films of 2006. It had big names — Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy and Oscar winner James Foxx. It had the kind of musical score that kept you humming long after leaving the local multiplex. And, most of all, it had hype.
Based on the 1981 Broadway musical that won five Tony Awards, “Dreamgirls” purportedly chronicled the events that broke up The Supremes, one of the most successful girl groups in history. Was this the way it went down? Did Diana Ross become the Supreme diva? Was Florence Ballard forced out because Ross was seemingly more appealing to crossover audiences?
Probably. Maybe. Most definitely.
Also, could the new Dreamgirls — Knowles, Anika Noni Rose and Jennifer Hudson — top the original trio of Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine and Jennifer Holliday? Would Deena Jones (the Ross character) be that breakthrough role for Knowles? And most importantly, would “Dreamgirls” get any love during awards season.
Nope (I can say that because I saw the original play). Not so much. And, so far, so good.
The film has received multiple nominations from all the major awards shows — the Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild and the NAACP Image Awards. Hudson, who has generated the most buzz for her portrayal of Effie White (purportedly based on Ballard) has already been honored by the New York, Phoenix, Washington D.C. and Southeastern film critics as well as the National Board of Review. Hudson is favored to win this year’s best supporting actress prize at the Academy Awards next month.
Additionally, Murphy might get a supporting nod at the Oscars for his performance as the talented, but tormented R&B singer James “Thunder” Early. It’s highly unlikely, however, that Knowles, who is up for best actress at the Globes and SAGs will hear her name called on Jan. 23, when the Academy nominations are announced. Hers is not an Oscar-worthy performance.
Is the film worthy?
But what about the film? Could “Dreamgirls” be the first musical to win an Academy Award for best picture since “Chicago” in 2003? Despite the fact both films were scripted by Bill Condon (who also directs “Dreamgirls”), Academy voters might be swayed by what the film ultimately does at the box office. When it opened on Christmas Day “Dreamgirls,” which cost an estimated $70 million earned an impressive $8.7 million in limited release (less than 900 screens). But it earned just over $18 million during its opening weekend and $8.8 million last weekend. And, it has yet to claim the No. 1 spot.
In a town that values quantity over quality, these things matter.
This weekend, however, “Dreamgirls” will borrow a page from the “Chicago” playbook and expand to 1,900 theaters. This move will hopefully not only improve its take, but also convince those Academy voters straddling the line that “Dreamgirls” is a legitimate contender for best picture. The trickle factor obviously worked for “Chicago,” another film that started small, but finished big. “Chicago,” however, was a critically acclaimed film with a predominantly white cast.
You either loved it or you hated it.
“Dreamgirls” is a film with a predominantly African American cast. But it’s the gray areas — particularly when it comes to the performances — that may affect his chances of winning.
Hudson is superb, but if she weren’t covering Holliday’s signature show-stopping tune — “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” — she might be struggling to emerge from the shadows like Rose, a Tony Award-winning actress who is underused. Murphy is good, but not great. Knowles is almost forgettable — save for her solo number — and Oscar winner Jamie Foxx was way too subdued to make any kind of memorable impact on audiences.
But then there’s the music. The title tune, the Hudson number and Knowles’ “Listen,” will most definitely encourage viewers to plop down $18 for the soundtrack and may even impress all of those jaded voters who feel that musicals belong on the stage and not the screen.
In this case they might be right. “Dreamgirls” was a phenomenal play. As a film, it’s entertaining but uneven. Sure, it will probably win the Golden Globe — particularly since the Hollywood Foreign Press honors films in two categories — musical/comedy and drama. But, it will have a hard time overcoming its likely competitors — sure shots such as “The Departed” and “The Queen” at the Oscars.
Battling history
Plus it has history going against it. No film with a predominantly African American cast has ever won best picture.
Is it time that one did? For sure. But Dreamgirls with all its star power and glam probably won’t do in 2007 what “The Color Purple” and “Malcolm X” (which wasn’t nominated) should have done in 1986 and 1993 respectively — and that is win. And while “Ray,” which was nominated in 2005, was both a critical and financial success, it was no “Million Dollar Baby.”
The critics who have praised “Dreamgirls” will likely claim that an Academy that recently honored Halle Berry, Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx with golden boys for best actress/actor, is not ready to embrace a film detailing the struggles African Americans face when they fail to assimilate to the dominant culture. That would be like admitting that “Crash,” last year’s best-picture winner, was truly an accurate portrayal of life in America.
We can’t have art imitating real life and winning awards for it!
The collective victories of Berry, Washington, Foxx and others have opened the door a little wider for African Americans in the film industry, but it still remains only ajar. It’s often said by black and white actors alike that the only color studio heads ever see is green. Well, American currency is green and white.
The critics who have panned “Dreamgirls” will probably say that it was a flawed film and it doesn’t even deserve to be nominated. Musicals tend to bore “serious” critics who would much rather debate the camera angles Martin Scorsese used in “Gangs of New York” as opposed to the ones he used in “The Departed.” And, if by chance “Dreamgirls” does win, they’ll say that it slipped through because the vote was spilt.
Regardless “Dreamgirls” will probably receive more nominations than some of the more favored films because it is a musical. That usually means nods for costumes, sound, mixing, cinematography and music — original songs and score. It most certainly deserves the most of these.
And who knows maybe the moon will be in the seventh house and Jupiter will be aligned with Mars on Oscar night so that “Dreamgirls” can make history. Dreams come true every day in Hollywood — especially with a good marketing campaign.
© 2007 MSNBC Interactive
Diana Seethes
DIANA Ross is behaving true to her diva form when it comes to "Dreamgirls" - which is based on the Supremes and shows how Motown founder Berry Gordy favored looks over voice in promoting her (Beyoncé plays a Ross-like character in the movie). At the Golden Globes, another original Supreme, Mary Wilson, told Page Six: "I loved 'Dreamgirls,' but I'm not sure how Diana Ross feels about it. The movie was about the group and not her, so . . . probably she didn't like it." How clairvoyant! Yesterday, Ross, appearing on "Good Morning America," was asked by Diane Sawyer about the film. "I haven't seen it yet," she said. "I hear they use my image and likeness. Maybe I should go see it with my lawyer."
DIANA Ross is behaving true to her diva form when it comes to "Dreamgirls" - which is based on the Supremes and shows how Motown founder Berry Gordy favored looks over voice in promoting her (Beyoncé plays a Ross-like character in the movie). At the Golden Globes, another original Supreme, Mary Wilson, told Page Six: "I loved 'Dreamgirls,' but I'm not sure how Diana Ross feels about it. The movie was about the group and not her, so . . . probably she didn't like it." How clairvoyant! Yesterday, Ross, appearing on "Good Morning America," was asked by Diane Sawyer about the film. "I haven't seen it yet," she said. "I hear they use my image and likeness. Maybe I should go see it with my lawyer."
QUOTE (BobbyD @ Jan 17 2007, 02:26 PM)
Diana Seethes
DIANA Ross is behaving true to her diva form when it comes to "Dreamgirls" - which is based on the Supremes and shows how Motown founder Berry Gordy favored looks over voice in promoting her (Beyoncé plays a Ross-like character in the movie). At the Golden Globes, another original Supreme, Mary Wilson, told Page Six: "I loved 'Dreamgirls,' but I'm not sure how Diana Ross feels about it. The movie was about the group and not her, so . . . probably she didn't like it." How clairvoyant! Yesterday, Ross, appearing on "Good Morning America," was asked by Diane Sawyer about the film. "I haven't seen it yet," she said. "I hear they use my image and likeness. Maybe I should go see it with my lawyer."
DIANA Ross is behaving true to her diva form when it comes to "Dreamgirls" - which is based on the Supremes and shows how Motown founder Berry Gordy favored looks over voice in promoting her (Beyoncé plays a Ross-like character in the movie). At the Golden Globes, another original Supreme, Mary Wilson, told Page Six: "I loved 'Dreamgirls,' but I'm not sure how Diana Ross feels about it. The movie was about the group and not her, so . . . probably she didn't like it." How clairvoyant! Yesterday, Ross, appearing on "Good Morning America," was asked by Diane Sawyer about the film. "I haven't seen it yet," she said. "I hear they use my image and likeness. Maybe I should go see it with my lawyer."
That drunk _____ _____ ____ woman. She's on the X list, right?
Paramount To Expand 'Dreamgirls' This Weekend
Parmount, which initiated a so-called platform release of the Paramount/DreamWorks musical Dreamgirls last month, plans to increase the number of theaters showing it to more than 2000 next weekend, it said Tuesday. The move follows the film's selection as the best comedy/musical movie of 2006 at the Golden Globes awards Monday night. "With the Globes, you do get a lot of publicity -- especially when you win," Jim Tharp, Paramount's head of distribution, told today's (Wednesday) Los Angeles Daily News.The film also won in the supporting actress/actor categories for Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy. Paul Dergarabedian, president of box office trackers Media By Numbers, told the newspaper, "I think Dreamgirls is going to bask in the afterglow of those Golden Globe wins." Meanwhile, Babel, which won the Golden Globe for best drama, is expected to expand from 173 theaters to at least 800, the Daily News said.
Parmount, which initiated a so-called platform release of the Paramount/DreamWorks musical Dreamgirls last month, plans to increase the number of theaters showing it to more than 2000 next weekend, it said Tuesday. The move follows the film's selection as the best comedy/musical movie of 2006 at the Golden Globes awards Monday night. "With the Globes, you do get a lot of publicity -- especially when you win," Jim Tharp, Paramount's head of distribution, told today's (Wednesday) Los Angeles Daily News.The film also won in the supporting actress/actor categories for Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy. Paul Dergarabedian, president of box office trackers Media By Numbers, told the newspaper, "I think Dreamgirls is going to bask in the afterglow of those Golden Globe wins." Meanwhile, Babel, which won the Golden Globe for best drama, is expected to expand from 173 theaters to at least 800, the Daily News said.
I have a heterosexual crush on Jennifer Hudson. I'd hit that...hard.
What in the hell did I just type?
What in the hell did I just type?
QUOTE (Babloo328 @ Jan 18 2007, 11:53 AM)
I have a heterosexual crush on Jennifer Hudson. I'd hit that...hard.
What in the hell did I just type?
What in the hell did I just type?
Ha ha ha! Thanks Babloo...I just had a death in the family and I need a good laugh....that's one of the funniest things I've read in a while!
SHE'S CHANGING
Dressed in a full-length metallic stunner, Jennifer Hudson works the red carpet like a seasoned pro at the Parisian premiere of Dreamgirls on Thursday.
Dressed in a full-length metallic stunner, Jennifer Hudson works the red carpet like a seasoned pro at the Parisian premiere of Dreamgirls on Thursday.
Golden Globes Awards Fug: Dreamgirls
EDDIE: Just look suave, Eddie, just look suave. If you act cool enough they won't even remember you have another one of those fat-suit movies coming out in a few weeks.
JENNIFER: Wow, my hair really DOES look good this way. And I'm so glad I chose this navy dress -- I have to say, I feel pretty hot right now.
BEYONCE: Yeah, fine, smile it up, TV bitch - let's just all remember who only held back on her singing voice because they MADE her, because she was TOO FIERCE for her role. Was it you? NO. Was it the From Justin To Kelly chick? NO. Was it that other bitch? NO. CHECK IT, hos, it was ME.
JAMIE: Man, Hudson looks fine. Almost as fine as I do, although nobody could outfox the Foxx. Miss B over there must be pissed-- she looks so Las Vegas that her dress even has its own coin slot up there. HAHAHAHAHA, oh, Foxxy, you've still got the funny, baby!
JENNIFER: I hope Beyonce isn't mad at me.
BEYONCE: No, I'm serious, hos, are you checking it? You'd BEST. Because I can't believe I am playing second fiddle to some bitch Paula Abdul dug up out of obscurity. Seriously. The claws are coming OUT. And so is her HAIR.
JENNIFER: I also hope Beyonce doesn't try and pull out my hair. She keeps accidentally touching it and she looks kind of like she's plotting something. I can't help it that I have a great stylist and she just has her mother. I didn't do that to her.
BEYONCE: It is ALL HER FAULT that I didn't win. Lady, I could sing circles around your ass, and Simon Cowell would CRY and Randy Jackson would be all, "You're doing your thing, dog, and that thing is KICKING SERIOUS ASS," and Paula would go, "If I ordered a pizza right now they'd deliver it to Montana because that was so good you almost made me want to eat some mascara and there are rainbows here and where am I? Are you my mother?" ...
EDDIE: I wonder if they'll burn the print of my next movie if I pay them enough money.
BEYONCE: ...and then Simon would be all, "What Paula is trying to say is that you are perfection, and you're the best there has ever been and I don't need to see any more," and then they'd CANCEL THE SHOW because there was no way they could do better and THAT is how I would WIN American Idol, you sad little runner-up, you.
EDDIE: No, really. I don't want to be all Queen Latifah here, winning a major award and then having a craptravaganza like Taxi coming out right afterward. But at least I look smooth. What the hell was Beyonce thinking? If we hang her from the ballroom ceiling they can turn off all the other lights and have a real cheap electric bill.
JENNIFER: Oh, well, I'll just try not to think about Beyonce. After all, I've never felt this good about myself in my life. Seriously, I think I deserve to be very proud of myself.
BEYONCE: Ohh, yes, just get ready, you humble little trophy hound, you. It's COMING.
JAMIE: DANG, bitches, I'm glad I took my shades off -- I'll get a better view of the catfight this way. Come on, let's see some clawing and spanking. Y'all can mess up my tux if it means I see some girl-on-girl without having to go back to my hotel room first. Let's get it ON.
JENNIFER: Although... I really should remember to get that restraining order ready.
Go Fug Yourself
EDDIE: Just look suave, Eddie, just look suave. If you act cool enough they won't even remember you have another one of those fat-suit movies coming out in a few weeks.
JENNIFER: Wow, my hair really DOES look good this way. And I'm so glad I chose this navy dress -- I have to say, I feel pretty hot right now.
BEYONCE: Yeah, fine, smile it up, TV bitch - let's just all remember who only held back on her singing voice because they MADE her, because she was TOO FIERCE for her role. Was it you? NO. Was it the From Justin To Kelly chick? NO. Was it that other bitch? NO. CHECK IT, hos, it was ME.
JAMIE: Man, Hudson looks fine. Almost as fine as I do, although nobody could outfox the Foxx. Miss B over there must be pissed-- she looks so Las Vegas that her dress even has its own coin slot up there. HAHAHAHAHA, oh, Foxxy, you've still got the funny, baby!
JENNIFER: I hope Beyonce isn't mad at me.
BEYONCE: No, I'm serious, hos, are you checking it? You'd BEST. Because I can't believe I am playing second fiddle to some bitch Paula Abdul dug up out of obscurity. Seriously. The claws are coming OUT. And so is her HAIR.
JENNIFER: I also hope Beyonce doesn't try and pull out my hair. She keeps accidentally touching it and she looks kind of like she's plotting something. I can't help it that I have a great stylist and she just has her mother. I didn't do that to her.
BEYONCE: It is ALL HER FAULT that I didn't win. Lady, I could sing circles around your ass, and Simon Cowell would CRY and Randy Jackson would be all, "You're doing your thing, dog, and that thing is KICKING SERIOUS ASS," and Paula would go, "If I ordered a pizza right now they'd deliver it to Montana because that was so good you almost made me want to eat some mascara and there are rainbows here and where am I? Are you my mother?" ...
EDDIE: I wonder if they'll burn the print of my next movie if I pay them enough money.
BEYONCE: ...and then Simon would be all, "What Paula is trying to say is that you are perfection, and you're the best there has ever been and I don't need to see any more," and then they'd CANCEL THE SHOW because there was no way they could do better and THAT is how I would WIN American Idol, you sad little runner-up, you.
EDDIE: No, really. I don't want to be all Queen Latifah here, winning a major award and then having a craptravaganza like Taxi coming out right afterward. But at least I look smooth. What the hell was Beyonce thinking? If we hang her from the ballroom ceiling they can turn off all the other lights and have a real cheap electric bill.
JENNIFER: Oh, well, I'll just try not to think about Beyonce. After all, I've never felt this good about myself in my life. Seriously, I think I deserve to be very proud of myself.
BEYONCE: Ohh, yes, just get ready, you humble little trophy hound, you. It's COMING.
JAMIE: DANG, bitches, I'm glad I took my shades off -- I'll get a better view of the catfight this way. Come on, let's see some clawing and spanking. Y'all can mess up my tux if it means I see some girl-on-girl without having to go back to my hotel room first. Let's get it ON.
JENNIFER: Although... I really should remember to get that restraining order ready.
Go Fug Yourself
A 'DREAM' TEAM
It's the Dreamgirls in action: Anika Noni-Rose, Beyoncé and first-time Oscar nominee Jennifer Hudson are a glam trio at their film's London premiere on Sunday.
It's the Dreamgirls in action: Anika Noni-Rose, Beyoncé and first-time Oscar nominee Jennifer Hudson are a glam trio at their film's London premiere on Sunday.
13th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® Recipients
Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Jennifer Hudson / DREAMGIRLS – Effie White - Paramount Pictures
Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Jennifer Hudson / DREAMGIRLS – Effie White - Paramount Pictures
Jennifer Hudson Disses 'Idol'
In a rambling interview with Essence magazine, Dreamgirls co-star Jennifer Hudson has assailed the producers of American Idol, the show that brought her to prominence. She said, "On American Idol, you go through this mental thing; you've got to get yourself back together. You've been abused, misled and brainwashed to believe whatever they want you to think. You become a character -- I became the girl in the turkey wrapping. I just knew I had to sing my way out of it. I don't believe in looking back, and I didn't look back." The "turkey wrapping" remark was an apparent reference to a costume she was made to wear on one episode of the show. Although many writers had predicted that Hudson would win the competition, she was beaten by Fantasia Barrino.
In a rambling interview with Essence magazine, Dreamgirls co-star Jennifer Hudson has assailed the producers of American Idol, the show that brought her to prominence. She said, "On American Idol, you go through this mental thing; you've got to get yourself back together. You've been abused, misled and brainwashed to believe whatever they want you to think. You become a character -- I became the girl in the turkey wrapping. I just knew I had to sing my way out of it. I don't believe in looking back, and I didn't look back." The "turkey wrapping" remark was an apparent reference to a costume she was made to wear on one episode of the show. Although many writers had predicted that Hudson would win the competition, she was beaten by Fantasia Barrino.
panachereport.com
Oscar-nominated "Dreamgirls," star Jennifer Hudson is getting so many floral tributes from her famous fans she's thinking of how to preserve the pretty gifts. Halle Berry, Alicia Keys and Whitney Houston have been among the big names offering the singer their support as she gets ready to battle for a Best Support Actress Oscar later this month. Hudson says, "It's all so overwhelming. I'd like to find a way of keeping this special time special." And she's hoping the messages and gifts from Houston will lead to a chance to duet with the diva. She adds, "I would love to do a duet with Whitney Houston. That would be a dream for me." And that dream just could come true-Hudson starts work on her first album next month with music mogul Clive Davis, Houston's longtime mentor.
Oscar-nominated "Dreamgirls," star Jennifer Hudson is getting so many floral tributes from her famous fans she's thinking of how to preserve the pretty gifts. Halle Berry, Alicia Keys and Whitney Houston have been among the big names offering the singer their support as she gets ready to battle for a Best Support Actress Oscar later this month. Hudson says, "It's all so overwhelming. I'd like to find a way of keeping this special time special." And she's hoping the messages and gifts from Houston will lead to a chance to duet with the diva. She adds, "I would love to do a duet with Whitney Houston. That would be a dream for me." And that dream just could come true-Hudson starts work on her first album next month with music mogul Clive Davis, Houston's longtime mentor.
panachereport.com
Oscar nominee Jennifer Hudson has paid tribute to her longtime boyfriend in print and now she hopes to make him feel extra special if she wins gold at the Academy Awards. The “Dreamgirls,” star has dated sweetheart James since 1999 and she wants him to play a major part in her Oscar night success - if she's picked as Best Supporting Actress.
She tells "Giant," magazine, "He's seen it all and been through it all with me. I'm the dreamer, and he supports my dreams - always has. "He's happy to be my rock and let me fly and I couldn't ask for anything more than that. "I think it makes more sense for me to date somebody outside of show biz.
They are stationary, stable, and home based... I have a patient, understanding man who's there for me when I get home. He's home to me."
Oscar nominee Jennifer Hudson has paid tribute to her longtime boyfriend in print and now she hopes to make him feel extra special if she wins gold at the Academy Awards. The “Dreamgirls,” star has dated sweetheart James since 1999 and she wants him to play a major part in her Oscar night success - if she's picked as Best Supporting Actress.
She tells "Giant," magazine, "He's seen it all and been through it all with me. I'm the dreamer, and he supports my dreams - always has. "He's happy to be my rock and let me fly and I couldn't ask for anything more than that. "I think it makes more sense for me to date somebody outside of show biz.
They are stationary, stable, and home based... I have a patient, understanding man who's there for me when I get home. He's home to me."
NYDN
And I'm telling you she's not going
Did Beyoncé snub Jennifer Hudson after the Grammys?
A source tells us Beyoncé's handlers did not want Hudson's name on the guest list for a party she threw with People magazine at Eleven in West Hollywood.
"At a lot of events recently, it's been all about Jennifer Hudson," sniffs an insider. "Beyoncé is successful because she's continually been out there. She doesn't want to look like she's slipping."
And I'm telling you she's not going
Did Beyoncé snub Jennifer Hudson after the Grammys?
A source tells us Beyoncé's handlers did not want Hudson's name on the guest list for a party she threw with People magazine at Eleven in West Hollywood.
"At a lot of events recently, it's been all about Jennifer Hudson," sniffs an insider. "Beyoncé is successful because she's continually been out there. She doesn't want to look like she's slipping."
^I guess she wasn't Irreplaceable. You best move "ta da leff, ta da leff", J-Hud.
I cannot wait for her album - her voice really is once in a generation.
I cannot wait for her album - her voice really is once in a generation.
The latest copy of Star Magazine (Feb. 19) has stories accusing Jennifer Hudson of being a diva. Let the backlash begin! It's too long to type out the whole article (which also accuses Katharine McPhee of being a diva), but here is the juiciest part of the Jennifer piece (not much evidence of diva-dom in my opinion, but I'm sure we'll be hearing more). It starts off by regurgitating her recent critique of American Idol, and then goes into the following:
QUOTE
In addition to her Oscar nomination as Best Supporting Actress, she has landed a Golden Globe and a SAG award-- and according to sources, what looks like a major case of diva-itis! For instance, at the Jan. 7 General Motors auto show in Detroit (where Beyonce Knowles' boyfriend Jay-Z unveiled a new blue SUV concept car he helped design), an eyewitness says, "She seemed to have a major case of entitlement, a conceited vibe, if you will." And at the SAG awards on Jan. 28, another source tells Star, "She wouldn't talk to the press much. She acted like she was already an Oscar-winner. Of course, she deserves the awards, but come on! Just one year ago, she was a nobody!"
From imdb.com today...
Hudson Makes History with Vogue Cover
Jennifer Hudson will make history when she becomes the first African-American singer to appear on the cover of US fashion magazine Vogue. The Dreamgirls star will appear on the cover of the magazine's annual Power Issue next month. She follows in the footsteps of Oprah Winfrey and Halle Berry as only the third African-American celebrity to grace the cover of the fashion bible. Hudson was shot for the publication by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz at Harlem's Apollo Theater in New York. The issue is one of the biggest and most anticipated of the year thanks to its spring fashion preview.
Hudson Makes History with Vogue Cover
Jennifer Hudson will make history when she becomes the first African-American singer to appear on the cover of US fashion magazine Vogue. The Dreamgirls star will appear on the cover of the magazine's annual Power Issue next month. She follows in the footsteps of Oprah Winfrey and Halle Berry as only the third African-American celebrity to grace the cover of the fashion bible. Hudson was shot for the publication by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz at Harlem's Apollo Theater in New York. The issue is one of the biggest and most anticipated of the year thanks to its spring fashion preview.
Ok, Jennifer...if the diva tactics are true...enjoy the awards while you still can. Hollywood isn't too kind to curvy women with real talent.
QUOTE (plick @ Feb 13 2007, 02:38 PM)
The latest copy of Star Magazine (Feb. 19) has stories accusing Jennifer Hudson of being a diva. Let the backlash begin! It's too long to type out the whole article (which also accuses Katharine McPhee of being a diva), but here is the juiciest part of the Jennifer piece (not much evidence of diva-dom in my opinion, but I'm sure we'll be hearing more). It starts off by regurgitating her recent critique of American Idol, and then goes into the following:
QUOTE
In addition to her Oscar nomination as Best Supporting Actress, she has landed a Golden Globe and a SAG award-- and according to sources, what looks like a major case of diva-itis! For instance, at the Jan. 7 General Motors auto show in Detroit (where Beyonce Knowles' boyfriend Jay-Z unveiled a new blue SUV concept car he helped design), an eyewitness says, "She seemed to have a major case of entitlement, a conceited vibe, if you will." And at the SAG awards on Jan. 28, another source tells Star, "She wouldn't talk to the press much. She acted like she was already an Oscar-winner. Of course, she deserves the awards, but come on! Just one year ago, she was a nobody!"
Beyonce probably phoned in this little tidbit herself!!
She seems pretty genuine to me - and after playing the HBIC with a major case of diva-itis and seeing how that played out...well, I don't think she'll be turning into Beyonce anytime soon.
1) That Vogue cover of Jennifer is NOT attractive. Poor girl!
2) Only 3 african americans on the cover of Vogue, ever??? That's shameful!!!
2) Only 3 african americans on the cover of Vogue, ever??? That's shameful!!!
QUOTE (BobbyD @ Feb 13 2007, 02:42 PM)
Ok, Jennifer...if the diva tactics are true...enjoy the awards while you still can. Hollywood isn't too kind to curvy women with real talent.
You know, she's new at this. It's possible that her shyness when thrown into such a bright spotlight is misconstrued as diva tactics. I saw an interview with her when she had just found out about the Oscar nomination. She was in a hotel room in England (I think). She seemed genuinely overwhelmed and grateful. Like the other poster said, I wouldn't be surprised if these diva whispers came from someone who is jealous.
QUOTE (Hoyaheel @ Feb 13 2007, 03:28 PM)
1) That Vogue cover of Jennifer is NOT attractive. Poor girl!
2) Only 3 african americans on the cover of Vogue, ever??? That's shameful!!!
2) Only 3 african americans on the cover of Vogue, ever??? That's shameful!!!
Agreed, Hoya...Vogue has had Paris Hilton in the Magazine...so F*ck em! It's next month's cover, so I guess Vogue didn't put her on for Black History Month.
This pisses me off. She's a beautiful woman. They made her look lousy. Anna W. is a jerk. Guess a sexy curvy black woman is against everything she believes in. Anna sucks and so does Vogue. I'm boycotting until they come out with realistic models in their magazine...this cover does NOT count.
" You'z jus jealous o' mah curves. I'm F-A-T, Fabulous and Thick!"
to defend Anna Wintour (am I actually defending this woman after she used Paris?? Let's just call this a clarification), the cover quote referred to celebs, not African Americans in general. Naomi has graced the cover a few times (and I believe that Beverly wassherface who used to date Chris Noth was the first African American on the cover).
Let's just call this a clarification), the cover quote referred to celebs, not African Americans in general. Naomi has graced the cover a few times (and I believe that Beverly wassherface who used to date Chris Noth was the first African American on the cover).QUOTE
only the third African-American celebrity
I was going to comment about Naomi, as she clearly wouldn't be considered African American....
QUOTE (Blondie @ Feb 14 2007, 07:21 AM)
to defend Anna Wintour (am I actually defending this woman after she used Paris?? Let's just call this a clarification), the cover quote referred to celebs, not African Americans in general. Naomi has graced the cover a few times (and I believe that Beverly wassherface who used to date Chris Noth was the first African American on the cover).
Let's just call this a clarification), the cover quote referred to celebs, not African Americans in general. Naomi has graced the cover a few times (and I believe that Beverly wassherface who used to date Chris Noth was the first African American on the cover).QUOTE
only the third African-American celebrity
Beverly Johnson.
Beverly Johnson was the first black woman on the cover of ANY fashion magazine--Glamour in 1972 I think....
ETA And apparently she was the first black on the cover of Vogue, in 1974.....
ETA And apparently she was the first black on the cover of Vogue, in 1974.....
QUOTE (Blondie @ Feb 14 2007, 03:21 AM)
to defend Anna Wintour (am I actually defending this woman after she used Paris?? Let's just call this a clarification), the cover quote referred to celebs, not African Americans in general. Naomi has graced the cover a few times (and I believe that Beverly wassherface who used to date Chris Noth was the first African American on the cover).
Let's just call this a clarification), the cover quote referred to celebs, not African Americans in general. Naomi has graced the cover a few times (and I believe that Beverly wassherface who used to date Chris Noth was the first African American on the cover).QUOTE
only the third African-American celebrity
The point is...if we can keep count of how many black people appear on the cover of a magazine...there's obviously a problem, don't you think?
QUOTE (BobbyD @ Feb 14 2007, 10:44 AM)
QUOTE (Blondie @ Feb 14 2007, 03:21 AM)
to defend Anna Wintour (am I actually defending this woman after she used Paris??
Let's just call this a clarification), the cover quote referred to celebs, not African Americans in general. Naomi has graced the cover a few times (and I believe that Beverly wassherface who used to date Chris Noth was the first African American on the cover).QUOTE
only the third African-American celebrity
The point is...if we can keep count of how many black people appear on the cover of a magazine...there's obviously a problem, don't you think?
I think there's two problems:
1. That Vogue is so friggin' bone thin white
2. That in this day and age there is even an issue with color on the cover of a magazine...pathetic, and I do think it can be directly blamed on Anna W., the skeletal, disgusting witch of NY.
QUOTE
The point is...if we can keep count of how many black people appear on the cover of a magazine...there's obviously a problem, don't you think?
I don't disagree, however being a lawyer - can't help but correct the earlier post. It's not good either way. However I suspect Anna was more up in arms over Hudson's size than her skin color. She is a very discriminating woman in every way.
I am so sad....I did not see anything wrong with the photo. I think she looks great in all of her pictures. She is a natural beauty,even Anna can not mess that up.
NY Daily News
Jennifer Hudson has been spotted hitting Rodeo Drive with Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Tally.
They stopped at Louis Vuitton and Coach, and bought a blinged-out $16,000 Lady DeVille watch (with 42 diamonds, thank you very much) from the Omega boutique.
Jennifer Hudson has been spotted hitting Rodeo Drive with Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Tally.
They stopped at Louis Vuitton and Coach, and bought a blinged-out $16,000 Lady DeVille watch (with 42 diamonds, thank you very much) from the Omega boutique.
QUOTE (Cruzin2Fold @ Feb 17 2007, 07:20 AM)
I am so sad....I did not see anything wrong with the photo. I think she looks great in all of her pictures. She is a natural beauty,even Anna can not mess that up.
I just don't like that open mouth cover--I don't think it's the best I've ever seen her look at all....
'Dreamgirl' Jennifer Hudson wins Oscar
Associated Press - Feb 25,
LOS ANGELES - Jennifer Hudson won the supporting-actress Academy Award on Sunday for "Dreamgirls," though her co-star and fellow front-runner Eddie Murphy lost the supporting-actor prize to Alan Arkin of "Little Miss Sunshine."
"More than anything, I'm deeply moved by the open-hearted appreciation our small film has received, which in these fragmented times speaks so openly of the possibility of innocence, growth and connection," said Arkin, who plays a foul-mouthed grandpa with a taste for heroin in the road comedy.
Hudson won an Oscar for her first movie, playing a powerhouse vocalist who falls on hard times after she is booted from a 1960s girl group. The role came barely two years after she shot to celebrity as an "American Idol" finalist.
"Oh my God, I have to just take this moment in. I cannot believe this. Look what God can do. I didn't think I was going to win," Hudson said through tears of joys. "If my grandmother was here to see me now. She was my biggest inspiration."
Al Gore's film about global warming, "An Inconvenient Truth," won for best documentary feature.
The dancing-penguin musical "Happy Feet" won the Oscar for feature-length animation, denying computer-animation pioneer John Lasseter ("Toy Story") the prize for "Cars," which had been the big winner of earlier key animation honors.
"I asked my kids, `What should I say?' They said, `Thank all the men for wearing penguin suits,'" said "Happy Feet" director George Miller (news, bio, voting record).
The savage fairy tale "Pan's Labyrinth" took the first two Oscars, for art direction and makeup, the wins for the Spanish-language film kicking off an Oscar evening stuffed with contenders from around the globe. "Pan's Labyrinth" also took the cinematography Oscar.
"To Guillermo del Toro for guiding us through this labyrinth," said art director Eugenio Caballero, lauding the writer-director of "Pan's Labyrinth," the tale of a girl who concocts an elaborate fantasy world to escape her harsh reality in 1940s Fascist Spain.
Germany's "The Lives of Others," about a playwright and his actress-girlfriend who come under police surveillance in 1980s East Berlin, won the foreign-language Oscar, the films it beat including "Pan's Labyrinth."
"Letters From Iwo Jima" won the sound-editing Oscar for Alan Robert Murray and Bub Asman. Murray's father was an Iwo Jima survivor.
"Thank you to my father and all the brave and honorable men and women in uniform who in a time of crisis have all made that decision to defend their personal freedom and liberty no matter what the sacrifice," Murray said.
The record holder for Oscar futility, sound engineer Kevin O'Connell, extended his losing streak to 19 nominations without a win. This time, O'Connell and two colleagues were nominated for sound mixing on "Apocalypto," Mel Gibson's portrait of the savage decline of the ancient Mayan empire, but they lost to another trio of sound engineers that worked on "Dreamgirls."
"Apocalypto" lost in all three categories in which it was nominated, all for technical achievements. Gibson, whose "Braveheart" was the big winner at the 1995 Oscars, had been condemned by many in Hollywood for an anti-Semitic rant he made during his drunken-driving arrest last summer.
Once an evening of backslapping and merrymaking within the narrow confines of Hollywood, the Academy Awards this time looked like a United Nations exercise in diversity.
The 79th annual Oscars feature their most ethnically varied lineup ever, with stars and stories that reflect the growing multiculturalism taking root around the globe.
"What a wonderful night. Such diversity in the room," said Ellen DeGeneres, serving as Oscar host for the first time, "in a year when there's been so many negative things said about people's race, religion and sexual orientation.
"And I want to put this out there: If there weren't blacks, Jews and gays, there would be no Oscars," she said, adding: "Or anyone named Oscar, when you think about that."
Competing for best picture was Mexican director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's "Babel," a sweeping ensemble drama. The film's cast ranges from A-listers such as Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett to comparative unknowns Adriana Barraza from Mexico and Rinko Kikuchi from Japan, who both earned supporting-actress nominations for "Babel."
Also in the running were Stephen Frears' classy British saga "The Queen," a portrait of the royal family in crisis, and Clint Eastwood's Japanese-language war tale "Letters From Iwo Jima."
Those films joined two idiosyncratic American stories nominated for best picture, Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris' road comedy "Little Miss Sunshine" and Martin Scorsese's crime epic "The Departed."
Though set among the distinctive cops and mobsters of Boston, "The Departed" had a global connection � it was based on the Hong Kong crime thriller "Infernal Affairs." The film won the adapted-screenplay Oscar for William Monahan, who thanked Scorsese and "The Departed" star Leonardo DiCaprio, a best-actor nominee.
"Thanks to Marty and Leo for reading the script and calling each other and saying let's make it," Monahan said.
Former Vice President Al Gore � the central figure in the global-warming film "An Inconvenient Truth," a documentary nominee � appeared with DiCaprio to praise organizers for implementing environmentally friendly practices in the show's production.
DiCaprio set up a gag with Gore, asking the 2000 presidential candidate if there was anything he wanted to announce.
"I guess with a billion people watching, it's as good a time as any. So my fellow Americans, I'm going to take this opportunity here and now to formally announce my intentions ...," Gore said, his voice trailing away as the orchestra cut him off.
Of the 20 acting nominees, five were black, two were Hispanic and one was Asian, while only two Americans � Eastwood and Scorsese � were among the five best-director contenders.
With a Directors Guild of America award and other top film honors behind him, Scorsese was considered a shoo-in to earn the directing Oscar, a prize that has eluded him throughout his illustrious career.
The best-picture race was up for grabs, with all five films in the running but many Oscar watchers generally figuring it was a three-way race among "Babel," "The Departed" and "Little Miss Sunshine."
Organizers at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hoped the suspense of the wide-open best-picture category would help offset moviegoers' relative lack of interest in the competing films.
TV ratings for the Oscars tend to be lower when fewer people have seen the top nominees. Collectively, the five best-picture nominees had drawn a total domestic theatrical audience of about 38.5 million people, about a third the number of fans who have gone to see the contenders in recent peak years when such blockbusters as "Gladiator" or "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" have won.
Associated Press - Feb 25,
LOS ANGELES - Jennifer Hudson won the supporting-actress Academy Award on Sunday for "Dreamgirls," though her co-star and fellow front-runner Eddie Murphy lost the supporting-actor prize to Alan Arkin of "Little Miss Sunshine."
"More than anything, I'm deeply moved by the open-hearted appreciation our small film has received, which in these fragmented times speaks so openly of the possibility of innocence, growth and connection," said Arkin, who plays a foul-mouthed grandpa with a taste for heroin in the road comedy.
Hudson won an Oscar for her first movie, playing a powerhouse vocalist who falls on hard times after she is booted from a 1960s girl group. The role came barely two years after she shot to celebrity as an "American Idol" finalist.
"Oh my God, I have to just take this moment in. I cannot believe this. Look what God can do. I didn't think I was going to win," Hudson said through tears of joys. "If my grandmother was here to see me now. She was my biggest inspiration."
Al Gore's film about global warming, "An Inconvenient Truth," won for best documentary feature.
The dancing-penguin musical "Happy Feet" won the Oscar for feature-length animation, denying computer-animation pioneer John Lasseter ("Toy Story") the prize for "Cars," which had been the big winner of earlier key animation honors.
"I asked my kids, `What should I say?' They said, `Thank all the men for wearing penguin suits,'" said "Happy Feet" director George Miller (news, bio, voting record).
The savage fairy tale "Pan's Labyrinth" took the first two Oscars, for art direction and makeup, the wins for the Spanish-language film kicking off an Oscar evening stuffed with contenders from around the globe. "Pan's Labyrinth" also took the cinematography Oscar.
"To Guillermo del Toro for guiding us through this labyrinth," said art director Eugenio Caballero, lauding the writer-director of "Pan's Labyrinth," the tale of a girl who concocts an elaborate fantasy world to escape her harsh reality in 1940s Fascist Spain.
Germany's "The Lives of Others," about a playwright and his actress-girlfriend who come under police surveillance in 1980s East Berlin, won the foreign-language Oscar, the films it beat including "Pan's Labyrinth."
"Letters From Iwo Jima" won the sound-editing Oscar for Alan Robert Murray and Bub Asman. Murray's father was an Iwo Jima survivor.
"Thank you to my father and all the brave and honorable men and women in uniform who in a time of crisis have all made that decision to defend their personal freedom and liberty no matter what the sacrifice," Murray said.
The record holder for Oscar futility, sound engineer Kevin O'Connell, extended his losing streak to 19 nominations without a win. This time, O'Connell and two colleagues were nominated for sound mixing on "Apocalypto," Mel Gibson's portrait of the savage decline of the ancient Mayan empire, but they lost to another trio of sound engineers that worked on "Dreamgirls."
"Apocalypto" lost in all three categories in which it was nominated, all for technical achievements. Gibson, whose "Braveheart" was the big winner at the 1995 Oscars, had been condemned by many in Hollywood for an anti-Semitic rant he made during his drunken-driving arrest last summer.
Once an evening of backslapping and merrymaking within the narrow confines of Hollywood, the Academy Awards this time looked like a United Nations exercise in diversity.
The 79th annual Oscars feature their most ethnically varied lineup ever, with stars and stories that reflect the growing multiculturalism taking root around the globe.
"What a wonderful night. Such diversity in the room," said Ellen DeGeneres, serving as Oscar host for the first time, "in a year when there's been so many negative things said about people's race, religion and sexual orientation.
"And I want to put this out there: If there weren't blacks, Jews and gays, there would be no Oscars," she said, adding: "Or anyone named Oscar, when you think about that."
Competing for best picture was Mexican director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's "Babel," a sweeping ensemble drama. The film's cast ranges from A-listers such as Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett to comparative unknowns Adriana Barraza from Mexico and Rinko Kikuchi from Japan, who both earned supporting-actress nominations for "Babel."
Also in the running were Stephen Frears' classy British saga "The Queen," a portrait of the royal family in crisis, and Clint Eastwood's Japanese-language war tale "Letters From Iwo Jima."
Those films joined two idiosyncratic American stories nominated for best picture, Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris' road comedy "Little Miss Sunshine" and Martin Scorsese's crime epic "The Departed."
Though set among the distinctive cops and mobsters of Boston, "The Departed" had a global connection � it was based on the Hong Kong crime thriller "Infernal Affairs." The film won the adapted-screenplay Oscar for William Monahan, who thanked Scorsese and "The Departed" star Leonardo DiCaprio, a best-actor nominee.
"Thanks to Marty and Leo for reading the script and calling each other and saying let's make it," Monahan said.
Former Vice President Al Gore � the central figure in the global-warming film "An Inconvenient Truth," a documentary nominee � appeared with DiCaprio to praise organizers for implementing environmentally friendly practices in the show's production.
DiCaprio set up a gag with Gore, asking the 2000 presidential candidate if there was anything he wanted to announce.
"I guess with a billion people watching, it's as good a time as any. So my fellow Americans, I'm going to take this opportunity here and now to formally announce my intentions ...," Gore said, his voice trailing away as the orchestra cut him off.
Of the 20 acting nominees, five were black, two were Hispanic and one was Asian, while only two Americans � Eastwood and Scorsese � were among the five best-director contenders.
With a Directors Guild of America award and other top film honors behind him, Scorsese was considered a shoo-in to earn the directing Oscar, a prize that has eluded him throughout his illustrious career.
The best-picture race was up for grabs, with all five films in the running but many Oscar watchers generally figuring it was a three-way race among "Babel," "The Departed" and "Little Miss Sunshine."
Organizers at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hoped the suspense of the wide-open best-picture category would help offset moviegoers' relative lack of interest in the competing films.
TV ratings for the Oscars tend to be lower when fewer people have seen the top nominees. Collectively, the five best-picture nominees had drawn a total domestic theatrical audience of about 38.5 million people, about a third the number of fans who have gone to see the contenders in recent peak years when such blockbusters as "Gladiator" or "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" have won.
Revenge of the real girls
By ROBERT DOMINGUEZ
Thanks to her Academy Award, Jennifer Hudson is about to become a real American idol.
If the breakout star of "Dreamgirls" thought she was living a fantasy in the months leading up to her Best Supporting Actress win Sunday night, that's nothing compared with what lies ahead.
With her brand-new Oscar in hand, the 25-year-old Hudson - who grew up on the tough side of Chicago and wound up on the glamorous side of the red carpet - has become the official symbol of real girls everywhere.
Like America Ferrera, the Golden Globe-winning star of television's "Ugly Betty," and the soulful British songstress Corinne Bailey Rae, whose self-titled album has gone double platinum, Hudson has zoomed past the overly primped and posed girls to become the star that female audiences feel they know. Despite all her talent - and all the exciting options now open to her - Hudson is a budding star who really could live next door.
"A lot of people are rooting for Jennifer because of her humility. She's a potential star who a lot of fans project themselves onto, because she came out of nowhere," says Gregg Kilday, film editor of The Hollywood Reporter.
During awards season, adds Kilday, "she conducted herself with a lot of poise. She has grace, style and flair. And the Oscar win obviously opens up the possibility of a solid [acting] career."
Bernie Telsey, a veteran New York casting director, auditioned Hudson for the role of Joanne in the film version of "Rent" shortly after she was voted off "American Idol" in 2004. Though she didn't get the part, Telsey says he saw star potential in her.
"She has this great energy," says Telsey. "And what I was taken by at every awards show is that smile. Somehow you want to capture that joy. She's fresh."
Though it turned out that the "Dreamgirls" part of Effie White was the right role at the right time, fans of Hudson will be eagerly watching to see what she does next, says Damien Bona, co-author of the Academy Awards bible "Inside Oscar."
"She seems to be a very grounded, real person who'll be careful to choose a role that fits her personality," says Bona.
Late last year, as the awards hoopla was reaching its peak, Hudson told the Daily News what she felt as she and her family heard her name announced as a Golden Globe nominee. True to form, she thought it might be for someone else.
"At first I just heard the first half of my name [during the Globe announcement] - I heard 'Jennifer,' and we were like, 'Ahh!' We would have felt real stupid if they would have said Jennifer Connelly, or another Jennifer.
"I [was] like, 'Oh my god - are they really gonna say my name?'"
Could a real girl like her get all the attention?
Oh, yes.
Originally published on February 27, 2007
By ROBERT DOMINGUEZ
Thanks to her Academy Award, Jennifer Hudson is about to become a real American idol.
If the breakout star of "Dreamgirls" thought she was living a fantasy in the months leading up to her Best Supporting Actress win Sunday night, that's nothing compared with what lies ahead.
With her brand-new Oscar in hand, the 25-year-old Hudson - who grew up on the tough side of Chicago and wound up on the glamorous side of the red carpet - has become the official symbol of real girls everywhere.
Like America Ferrera, the Golden Globe-winning star of television's "Ugly Betty," and the soulful British songstress Corinne Bailey Rae, whose self-titled album has gone double platinum, Hudson has zoomed past the overly primped and posed girls to become the star that female audiences feel they know. Despite all her talent - and all the exciting options now open to her - Hudson is a budding star who really could live next door.
"A lot of people are rooting for Jennifer because of her humility. She's a potential star who a lot of fans project themselves onto, because she came out of nowhere," says Gregg Kilday, film editor of The Hollywood Reporter.
During awards season, adds Kilday, "she conducted herself with a lot of poise. She has grace, style and flair. And the Oscar win obviously opens up the possibility of a solid [acting] career."
Bernie Telsey, a veteran New York casting director, auditioned Hudson for the role of Joanne in the film version of "Rent" shortly after she was voted off "American Idol" in 2004. Though she didn't get the part, Telsey says he saw star potential in her.
"She has this great energy," says Telsey. "And what I was taken by at every awards show is that smile. Somehow you want to capture that joy. She's fresh."
Though it turned out that the "Dreamgirls" part of Effie White was the right role at the right time, fans of Hudson will be eagerly watching to see what she does next, says Damien Bona, co-author of the Academy Awards bible "Inside Oscar."
"She seems to be a very grounded, real person who'll be careful to choose a role that fits her personality," says Bona.
Late last year, as the awards hoopla was reaching its peak, Hudson told the Daily News what she felt as she and her family heard her name announced as a Golden Globe nominee. True to form, she thought it might be for someone else.
"At first I just heard the first half of my name [during the Globe announcement] - I heard 'Jennifer,' and we were like, 'Ahh!' We would have felt real stupid if they would have said Jennifer Connelly, or another Jennifer.
"I [was] like, 'Oh my god - are they really gonna say my name?'"
Could a real girl like her get all the attention?
Oh, yes.
Originally published on February 27, 2007
That poor girl.
From DListed and the New York Post:
http://dlisted.com/?p=7301
Jennifer Hudson, did win big - but lost big, too, because of the much ridiculed metallic bolero Andre Leon Talley made her put on. (Post fashion editor Serena French said it made her look "lost in space.") "Jennifer was kind of sponsored by Talley and Vogue," said one fashionista. "Andre insisted she wear that hideous Oscar de la Renta dress with the awful, awful gold python bolero.
"Jennifer really didn't want to, and so [noted stylist] Jessica Paster got her a beautiful gold Roberto Cavalli custom-made. But when Andre found out, he went ballistic. Moments before she left for the show, there was a power struggle and Jennifer ended up putting his outfit on."
What an ASS! Fuck ANNA WINTOUR! I get she was being "sponsored" or something (what, like an rehabbing addict?), but LET THE GIRL WEAR WHAT SHE WANTS!
But I bet the dress she wore in the press room and to the parties was the Cavalli. And that dress was gorgeous.
From DListed and the New York Post:
http://dlisted.com/?p=7301
Jennifer Hudson, did win big - but lost big, too, because of the much ridiculed metallic bolero Andre Leon Talley made her put on. (Post fashion editor Serena French said it made her look "lost in space.") "Jennifer was kind of sponsored by Talley and Vogue," said one fashionista. "Andre insisted she wear that hideous Oscar de la Renta dress with the awful, awful gold python bolero.
"Jennifer really didn't want to, and so [noted stylist] Jessica Paster got her a beautiful gold Roberto Cavalli custom-made. But when Andre found out, he went ballistic. Moments before she left for the show, there was a power struggle and Jennifer ended up putting his outfit on."
What an ASS! Fuck ANNA WINTOUR! I get she was being "sponsored" or something (what, like an rehabbing addict?), but LET THE GIRL WEAR WHAT SHE WANTS!
But I bet the dress she wore in the press room and to the parties was the Cavalli. And that dress was gorgeous.
That jacket thing was totally hideous, I can't blame her for not wanting to wear it. Ass.
QUOTE (jgr0602 @ Feb 27 2007, 03:02 PM)
That jacket thing was totally hideous, I can't blame her for not wanting to wear it. Ass.
It is too bad too, because with the right clothes and hair, she is a knockout. That dress and idiotic coat were just awful on her. I didn't like the way her hair was done either. Maybe this will give Vogue the black eye (no pun intended) they truly deserve and the readership will fade...and girls will all start looking healthy not dead in Anna's magazine....and then I'll wake up.
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