Any film that gives Eddie Murphy an Oscar nomination was going to get its share of flak, but when Jennifer Hudson was nominated in her debut film role in 'Dreamgirls' the talk in tinsel town reached fever pitch.

Her only other prior onscreen experience was as a contestant on 'American Idol' - and she didn't even win! But after the highly anticipated musical drama was released she seemed to win everything going.

Hudson took home the Oscar, Bafta, Golden Globe, National Board of Review and Screen Actors Guild awards. In doing so she bridged the gap between mainstream television talent shows and critically conscious cinema.