Which Beyoncé film role was based on singer Etta James?

Beyoncé played Etta James in the film Cadillac Records.

Released in 2008, Cadillac Records is a musical biographical drama about Chess Records and several artists associated with the label. Beyoncé portrays Etta James, while Adrien Brody plays record executive Leonard Chess. The film follows the label’s role in American blues, rhythm and blues, and early rock history.

For the role, Beyoncé recorded versions of James-associated songs, including “At Last,” bringing renewed attention to the classic repertoire. The performance is often discussed alongside Beyoncé’s acting because it required her to portray a real singer with a distinctive vocal and personal history.

Dreamgirls is a frequent incorrect answer because Beyoncé also starred in that musical film. In Dreamgirls, she played the fictional character Deena Jones, not Etta James. Cadillac Records is the film tied specifically to James’s life and music.