What was Beyoncé’s first film as a leading actress, released in 2003?

Beyoncé’s first film as a leading actress, released in 2003, was The Fighting Temptations. She stars as Lilly, a lounge singer, opposite Cuba Gooding Jr., who plays Darrin Hill.

The film follows Darrin as he returns to his hometown in Georgia and assembles a gospel choir to fulfill a condition in his aunt's will. Beyoncé's character becomes part of that musical effort, making the film a natural showcase for her vocal performance as well as her acting.

The title is often confused with Dreamgirls, the 2006 musical drama in which Beyoncé played Deena Jones. Beyoncé also appeared in Austin Powers in Goldmember in 2002, but that was a supporting film role rather than her first leading role. The Fighting Temptations therefore marks the earlier milestone in her feature-film career.