Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson ('Dreamgirls') has been tapped to play Winnie Mandela, the former wife of South Africa's first black president, Nelson Mandela.
Variety reports that the former American Idol contestant will play the title role in the film, 'Winnie.' Production is to begin May 30 in the South African locations of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Transkei and Robben Island, where the future president spent 18 of his 27 years in prison.
The Chicago native, who won a Grammy award this year for her self-titled debut album, is also expected to sing the theme song.
The film will be directed by Darrell J. Roodt, from a script based on the Anne Marie du Preez Bezdrob biography 'Winnie Mandela:A Life.'
"I was compelled and moved when I read the script," Hudson said. "Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman and I'm honored to be the actress asked to portray her. This is a powerful part of history that should be told."
Coincidentally, another Oscar winner, Morgan Freeman will be playing Nelson Mandela in 'Invictus,' which opens on Dec. 11. Sophie Okonedo is also set to portray Winnie Mandela in the BBC drama 'Mrs Mandela.'
At 72, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is still a popular figure in South African politics despite her 1991 conviction for involvement in the kidnapping, assault and death of a 14-year-old alleged informer. She and Nelson Mandela had been married for only a year before he was forced into hiding and then imprisoned in 1962 – he would only be freed in 1990. She was deputy minister of arts, culture, science and technology in the first post-apartheid government for 11 months, until allegations of corruption led to her dismissal.
Jennifer Hudson Pictures
Singer Jennifer Hudson waves to fans when she performs on NBC's "Today" show at Rockefeller Center on May 15, 2009 in New York City..Jennifer Hudson Performs On NBC's "Today" - May 15, 2009.Rockefeller Center.New York, NY United States.May 15, 2009.Photo by Al Pereira/WireImage.com..To license this image (16800585), contact WireImage.com
Singer Jennifer Hudson performs on NBC's "Today" show at Rockefeller Center on May 15, 2009 in New York City..Jennifer Hudson Performs On NBC's "Today" - May 15, 2009.Rockefeller Center.New York, NY United States.May 15, 2009.Photo by Al Pereira/WireImage.com..To license this image (16800570), contact WireImage.com
Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson appears on NBC "Today" television show in New York, Friday, May 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
LAS VEGAS - MAY 01: Singer Robin Thicke performs at The Pearl concert theater at the Palms Casino Resort May 1, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS - MAY 01: Singer Robin Thicke (L) and musical director/keyboardist Larry Cox perform at The Pearl concert theater at the Palms Casino Resort May 1, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS - MAY 01: (L-R) Bassist Greg Malone, singer Robin Thicke, musical director/keyboardist Larry Cox and guitarist Andrew McKay perform at The Pearl concert theater at the Palms Casino Resort May 1, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS - MAY 01: (L-R) Bassist Greg Malone, singer Robin Thicke and guitarist Andrew McKay perform at The Pearl concert theater at the Palms Casino Resort May 1, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS - MAY 01: (L-R) Bassist Greg Malone, singer Robin Thicke, musical director/keyboardist Larry Cox and guitarist Andrew McKay perform at The Pearl concert theater at the Palms Casino Resort May 1, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS - MAY 01: Singer Robin Thicke performs at The Pearl concert theater at the Palms Casino Resort May 1, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS - MAY 01: Singer Robin Thicke (C) performs at The Pearl concert theater at the Palms Casino Resort May 1, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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By: JDs Daddy on 12/04/2009 10:27AM
I believe the film will be of Oscar quality. The cast, director and production machine are exemplary. Concerning Miss Hudson, I think someone should write a program which automatically emails Simon Cowell each time she wins a Grammy, is nominated and or wins an Oscar, Emmy, Image or any of the industries recognition entities. His judgment stinks and his method of delivering his opinion is very callous and has the potential of crushing the dreams of aspiring artists. Jennifer is a much loved and appreciated 'thorn in his side'.
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