JENNIFER HUDSON TO PLAY WINNIE MANDELA ON SCREEN

Jennifer Hudson, former American Idol contestant and Oscar winner for Dreamgirls, is set to play Winnie Mandela, the former wife of the South Africa's first black president, Nelson Mandela according to Variety. Winnie Mandela's past is a complicated one. While a strong supporter of her husband, even being jailed for campaigning for his release from jail, and a mother to Mandela's children, Winnie was also associated with a bodyguard who killed a 14-year-old alleged informer and was later convicted of fraud. The film will focus on both sides of her story. “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.” While Hudson won accolades for her portrayal of Effie in Dreamgirls, her acting ability has been less than stellar in subsequent projects. Maybe this is the material that will bring her back to form. Hope so. Maybe she'll record a stirring anthem. She's not going...... [picture source]