Beyonc√© Sings the Blues: Cadillac Records

Trailer for Cadillac Records and some recent Beyonc√© coverage requested by a few of our readers (you know you who you are). Very much in the blown vein of Dreamgirls, Ray and — maybe most of all — Lady Sings the Blues, the movie’s ensemble cast might invite more speculation about Best Supporting categories instead of awards for leading roles. Beyonc√© talks about going gritty on The Huffington Post:

She gained 20 pounds and dotted her arms with track marks to portray the R&B pioneer, who struggled with heroin addiction during that era. The singer spent a few days at the Phoenix House, a rehab center in Brooklyn, to learn the junkie stagger and addled rage she uses to surprising poignant effect in the movie.

“I never tried drugs in my life so I didn’t know about it all,” she said. “It was hard to go there. In the beginning I didn’t want to offend anyone, I didn’t want to ask the wrong questions or seem judgmental. They were so honest, though, and I am so thankful. I don’t think I could have understood that level of pain or need. What they do there is amazing. I learned a lot about life and myself.”

Sure, Beyonc√© will be the focus of most of the high-profile publicity, but Jeffrey Wright’s work looks especially fine here too. (here, and everywhere else he appears). Side-by-side sista shots of Beyonc√© and Etta James after the cut.

Jeffery Wright/”Muddy” Waters