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!
15 COMMENTS
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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!!
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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!!
s dot
November 18, 2009 at 1:28 pm
J Hud* Not Hub! LOL You get my point though, right? I love J HuD!!
TBERRY
November 18, 2009 at 7:36 pm
IM HAPPY SHE GOT THE PART
Linda
October 28, 2010 at 4:33 am
If it’s by the will of God than let it be done! Jennifer will play the part of a strong powerful woman. It will touch the hearts and minds of people across the world. I won’t judge her acting by the series Sex and the City, because personally I never watched it. However this movie has a true meaning and will be viewed for the betterment of all. God has a purpose for us all and all things will be revealed by him. I don’t like to pass judgement or make negative comments about anyone I use to until I realized that that type of behavior is not God like . I say go for it Jennifer work your acting in this movie with the gift that God has given you. There is no bad acting when you are spirtually lifted and lead by God.
Linda
October 28, 2010 at 5:02 am
SOME OF YOU WITH THE NEGATIVE ATTITUDES IN REGARDS TO JENNIFER’S ACTING FAILED TO REALIZE HOW STRONG IN FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD SHE HAS BEEN. THIS YOUNG WOMAN LOST HER MOTHER, BROTHER AND NEPHEW. AND SHE STILL STAYED STRONG AND TRUSTED GOD TO PULLED HER THROUGH. PERHAPS THIS IS A GIFT FROM GOD BECAUSE SHE BELIEVED AND SHOWED FAITH .I CAN SAY THIS BECAUSE OF MY TRUST AND FAITH IN GOD ,I HAVE TRULY BEEN CHANGED. HOW MANY OF YOU CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT YOU COULD HAVE BEEN AS STRONG. IF NOT BY THE WILL AND FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD THAT SHE SHOWED JENNIFER’S CAREER MAY HAVE BEEN OVER. LOOK FOR THE BLESSING THAT WE ALL RECEIVE WHEN WE BELIEVE AND HAVE FAITH.
Susan Michaels
November 2, 2010 at 4:35 pm
My husband and I have enjoyed Jennifer since the first time we saw her on idol. We said at that time we did not think it would make a difference if she won or not, we felt she become a star in her own rights.
She is a lovely person and very committed to what she stands for.
We wish her all of the success and happiness ahead for her. We see another Oscar in this movie.
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