Dreamgirls was released in 2006, with Beyoncé starring as Deena Jones. The musical drama was directed by Bill Condon and adapted from the 1981 Broadway musical of the same name.
The story follows a female singing group whose career changes as it enters the commercial music industry. Although the plot is fictional, it is often discussed alongside the history of Motown and the rise of groups such as the Supremes.
Beyoncé performed songs including “Listen,” which became one of the film’s most prominent original numbers. Jennifer Hudson played Effie White and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.
Dreamgirls is sometimes confused with Beyoncé’s later film projects, including Cadillac Records and the musical album film Black Is King. Its release year was 2006, and it was one of Beyoncé’s first major dramatic film roles.