Dreamgirls

Overview

Dreamgirls is a 2006 American musical drama film written and directed by Bill Condon and produced by Laurence Mark. Adapted from the 1981 Broadway musical, Dreamgirls is a film à clef, a work of fiction taking strong inspiration from the history of the Motown record label and its superstar act the Supremes. The story follows the history and evolution of American R&B music during the 1960s and 1970s through the eyes of a Detroit girl group known as the Dreams and their manipulative record executive. The film adaptation features an ensemble cast, starring Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles, and Eddie Murphy with Danny Glover, Anika Noni Rose, Keith Robinson, and Jennifer Hudson in supporting roles. In addition to the original compositions by composer Henry Krieger and lyricist Tom Eyen, four new songs, composed by Krieger with various lyricists, were added for the film. The film marks the acting debut of Hudson, a former American Idol contestant. Dreamgirls debuted in four special road show engagements starting on December 15, 2006, by Roadshow Engagement and released by DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures in the United States on December 25. With a production budget of $80 million, Dreamgirls is one of the most expensive films to feature a predominant African-American starring cast in American film history. The film received positive reviews from critics, who particularly praised Condon's direction, the soundtrack, costume and production design, and performances of the cast, in particular Hudson and Murphy, and grossed $155.4 million worldwide. At the 79th Academy Awards, the film received a leading eight nominations, winning Best Supporting Actress (for Hudson), and Best Sound Mixing. At the 64th Golden Globe Awards, it won three awards, including for the Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.