Beyoncé portrayed blues and soul singer Etta James in the 2008 film Cadillac Records.
The film, written and directed by Darnell Martin, dramatizes the rise of Chess Records and its Chicago music scene. Adrien Brody plays record executive Leonard Chess, while Jeffrey Wright portrays Muddy Waters. Beyoncé’s role as James focuses on the singer’s relationship with Chess Records and her struggles with addiction and personal instability.
Beyoncé recorded several James songs for the project, including “At Last,” which became closely associated with her performance in the film. James herself praised Beyoncé’s version of the song. Cadillac Records is not a complete biography of James; it is an ensemble historical drama that compresses events and combines narrative elements. Beyoncé’s other major acting roles include Deena Jones in Dreamgirls and Nala’s voice in The Lion King.