Former ?American Idol? finalist Jennifer Hudson has been cast in the pivotal role of Effie in DreamWorks Pictures? and Paramount Pictures? upcoming screen version of the Tony Award-winning musical ?Dreamgirls.?

Hudson joins the film?s previously announced stars: Oscar? winner Jamie Foxx (?Ray?), Beyonc? Knowles (?Austin Powers in Goldmember?), Eddie Murphy (?The Nutty Professor,? ?Dr. Dolittle?), Danny Glover (the ?Lethal Weapon? franchise) and Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose (Broadway?s ?Caroline or Change?).

/www.dreamworksfansite.com/dreamgirls/"">DreamGirls opens December 22nd, 2006."