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Murphy, Hudson Win Big For "Dreamgirls"

It took a supporting role in a movie musical, but after a career spanning more than 25 years, Eddie Murphy finally won his first major acting award -- a Golden Globe for best supporting actor for his role as soul singer James "Thunder" Early in Dreamgirls. The hit film starring Beyonce Knowles and Jamie Foxx also won the award for best musical or comedy, and co-star Jennifer Hudson became the first former American Idol contestant to earn a major acting honor, winning best supporting actress for her scene-stealing performance as singer Effie White.

Murphy appeared to be genuinely stunned upon accepting his award, saying, "Wow. I'll be damned." Backstage, he explained that the role of Early was an unusual opportunity for him. "People don't come to me with supporting roles. The reason I responded to this was that it was a great role. I've always been open to it; it just never came to me."

"This goes far beyond anything I could have ever imagined," said Hudson. "I think I was on the right track for my singing career before American Idol, but Idol did help speed my career along. I didn't think things could get any bigger or busier than when I was on Idol, but it has." Hudson finished seventh on American Idol's third season, behind such other Idol success stories as, um, John Stevens and Jasmine Trias.

The last time a film adaptation of a Broadway musical won the Golden Globe for best musical or comedy, it went on to win the Academy Award for best picture. That film was 2003's Chicago and Dreamgirls is now considered by many to have a good chance of following its lead.

--The ARTISTdirect Staff
01.16.07