Wednesday, November 18th 2009

Jennifer Hudson Lands ‘Winnie’ Movie Role

Oscar and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson has landed the role of Winnie Mandela, the former wife of Nelson Mandela, in a new biopic which will focus on the life of the one-time South African 1st lady. Check out the report via Variety below:

Hudson will play Winnie Mandela in a film that begins production May 30 in the South African locations of Johannesburg, Capt Town, Transkei and Robben Island, where the future president spent 18 of his 27 years in prison.

“Winnie” will be directed by Darrell J. Roodt, the veteran South African filmmaker whose 2006 film “Yesterday” was Africa’s Best Foreign Film nominee, and who also directed “Cry, The Beloved Country,” and “Sarafina!”

Andre Pieterse, Roodt and Paul L. Johnson wrote a script based on the Anne Marie du Preez Bezdrob biography “Winnie Mandela:A Life.” Picture is being made with South African and Canadian money, with Pieterse producing with Michael Mosca of Canada’s Equinoxe Films.

While Nelson Mandela — who’ll be played by Morgan Freeman in the Clint Eastwood-directed “Invictus” — is a universally sympathetic figure for his struggle against apartheid, his former wife is a far more complicated figure. She has been depicted as the mother and wife who was a steadfast supporter of her activist husband and who was jailed herself for campaigning for his release and fighting against apartheid. Her image was subsequently tarnished by association with a bodyguard who murdered a 14-year old alleged informer, and she was later convicted of fraud.

The filmmakers will tell the whole story, good and bad.

“I was compelled and moved when I read the script,” Hudson said. “Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman and I’m honored to be the actress asked to portray her. This is a powerful part of history that should be told.”

Hudson, who is expected to sing the film’s theme song, won the Oscar for her screen debut in “Dreamgirls’ and followed with “The Secret Life of Bees” and “Sex in the City.”

Go Jennifer! As one of the few talents in the industry actually getting props for being one of the best, as well as being an equally great actress as she is a singer, I couldn’t more happier for Jennifer. The movie sounds like a winner too. More power to her!

Your thoughts?

Filed Under: Jennifer Hudson

Posted By: Sam

Leave A Comment

November 18, 2009 at 2:28 am

Kid Sister – ‘Right Hand Hi’ Music Video

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=100590330

Puhleeze

November 18, 2009 at 2:39 am

I love Jen Jen, she is a rare talent in both acting and music.
I am a South African, and I have read the Winnie book and I am a huge fan and supporter of Winnie, and I do not like the fact that another American actress will play the role of such a great figure in our history when we have got a dozen of talented South African actresses here.
I am sick and tired of Americans getting to play roles that South African talented actresses only dream of and work towards.

Lovelarah

November 18, 2009 at 3:06 am

i’ve only seen her in one movie…love her voice, but how is she a good actor?
i could tell you why she is a good vocalist, as far as an actress she’s an amatuer with an Oscar.
Sorry.

MaZ

November 18, 2009 at 3:54 am

Production made a good choice choosing her. Sounds like a winner. Hope she will sing in the film too. You know, something like Evita.

Juztoon

November 18, 2009 at 4:47 am

@ Lovelarah

How can you then judge whether she deserves that oscar or not if you’ve only seen one movie?

Watch Secret Life of Bees. She actually is an awesome actress.

reena

November 18, 2009 at 5:54 am

Beyonce and her Dad must be turning over tables right now wondering how she the hell was overlooked for this.
Jennifer -sleep with one eye open.

Also should they not do the Nelson Mandela story before they do the Lady Mandela story.

AWOLLUVA

November 18, 2009 at 6:19 am

I love her hair in this pic!!

HEALTHY BLACK QUEENS CLICK HERE

November 18, 2009 at 9:04 am

“Beyonce and her Dad must be turning over tables right now wondering how she the hell was overlooked for this.”

For goodness sake, the Knowles won’t give a damn! There’s enough spotlight for Beyonce AND Jennifer.

antertain

November 18, 2009 at 9:49 am

Excellent news i’m really happy for J.Hud

She’s definately grabbed her opportunites and excelled when put in roles as well as being a great singer.

All-round powerhouse!!!

Wooo

s dot

November 18, 2009 at 1:28 pm

I admire J Hub for winning despite the fact that she’s had so many losses along the way. It’s especially difficult for some reality stars to stay relevant. But she’s managed to do so by straying away from that reality star stigma.
D. Woods, formerly of Danity Kane, is another reality show star that is still on her grind. I see her on the come up. Maybe not on the scale of J Hub, but who knows.

Check out more info on D. Woods here: http://blog.theindiestry.com/2009/11/10/former-danity-kane-member-d-woods-to-release-indiestry-album-in-december.aspx

FUNNY STUFF!!

J Hud* Not Hub! LOL You get my point though, right? I love J HuD!!