Dreamgirls is a 2006 American musical drama film written and directed by Bill Condon and produced by DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures. It is an adaptation of the 1981 Broadway musical of the same name by Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen. The film features an ensemble cast including Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, Danny Glover, and Anika Noni Rose.
Plot Set in the 1960s and 1970s, the film follows the story of "The Dreams," a young female singing trio from Chicago comprising lead singer Effie White (Jennifer Hudson) and backup singers Deena Jones (Beyoncé Knowles) and Lorrell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose). Discovered by ambitious car salesman Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx), who becomes their manager, the group is initially hired as backup singers for R&B star James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy). Curtis eventually launches "The Dreams" as their own act, pushing them towards mainstream pop success. Along the way, he orchestrates changes, including replacing Effie with the slimmer and more marketable Deena as the lead singer, leading to internal conflicts, betrayals, and personal struggles. The film explores themes of ambition, the cutthroat nature of the music industry, racial politics in entertainment, and the personal sacrifices made for fame, loosely mirroring the story of Motown and The Supremes.
Cast
- Jamie Foxx as Curtis Taylor Jr.
- Beyoncé Knowles as Deena Jones
- Eddie Murphy as James "Thunder" Early
- Jennifer Hudson as Effie White
- Anika Noni Rose as Lorrell Robinson
- Danny Glover as Marty Madison
- Keith Robinson as C.C. White
- Sharon Leal as Michelle Morris
Production The film's development spanned several years, with various directors and cast members attached before Condon took the helm. Condon aimed to retain the essence of the stage musical while adapting it for the cinematic medium, adding new songs and expanding certain character arcs. The musical score, with its blend of R&B, soul, and pop, was central to the film's production, with original composers Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen contributing. The production design and costume design meticulously recreated the fashion and aesthetics of the 1960s and 1970s.
Reception Dreamgirls premiered on December 15, 2006, and received generally positive reviews from critics. Particular praise was given to the performances of Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy, as well as the film's musical numbers and lavish production values. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $155 million worldwide against a budget of $80 million.
Accolades Dreamgirls was a significant contender during the 2007 awards season. It received eight Academy Award nominations, the most for any film that year, and won two: Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Hudson and Best Sound Mixing. It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Eddie Murphy), Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and two nominations for Best Original Song.
At the 64th Golden Globe Awards, the film won three out of five nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Eddie Murphy, and Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture for Jennifer Hudson. Jennifer Hudson also won the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance.