Which actor played Deena Jones opposite Beyoncé in the 2006 film Dreamgirls?

Jennifer Hudson played Deena Jones opposite Beyoncé in the 2006 film Dreamgirls.

Dreamgirls is a musical drama directed by Bill Condon and loosely inspired by the history of the Supremes and Motown. Beyoncé played Deena Jones, the singer who becomes the lead vocalist of the Dreams. Jennifer Hudson played Effie White, the group’s original lead singer, while Anika Noni Rose played Lorrell Robinson.

The film follows the Dreams’ rise from a local singing group to pop stardom and explores ambition, commercial pressure, friendship, and racial politics in the music industry. Jamie Foxx played Curtis Taylor Jr., and Eddie Murphy played James “Thunder” Early.

Hudson won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Effie. Although Beyoncé is central to the film’s star power, Hudson’s role is the one associated with the film’s major acting Oscar victory.