African-American critics choose 'Dreamgirls'

Murphy, Hudson and Condon nab honors

By STUART LEVINE

The African-American Film Critics have tabbed "Dreamgirls" as its best picture of 2006.

On the acting side, the org selected Forest Whitaker and Helen Mirren as top lead actor and actress, respectively, for their roles in "The Last King of Scotland" and "The Queen."

"Dreamgirls" dominated the rest of the selections, with Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson winning for their supporting roles and Bill Condon taking home the director prize.

A Special Achievement Honor was given to Spike Lee, who directed HBO's "When the Levees Broke" and the bigscreen "Inside Man," which was his first film to reach $100 in domestic box office.

Other pics in the group's top 10 of the year were, in order, "The Last King of Scotland," "The Departed," "Akeelah and the Bee," "Catch a Fire," "Idlewild," "Bobby," "The Devil Wears Prada," "The Pursuit of Happyness" and "Inside Man."

African-American Film Critics top picks for 2006

Best Film: "Dreamgirls"

Best Actor: Forrest Whitaker, "The Last King of Scotland"

Best Actress: Helen Mirren, "The Queen"

Best Supporting Actor: Eddie Murphy, "Dreamgirls"

Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Hudson, "Dreamgirls"

Best Director: Bill Condon, "Dreamgirls"

Top 10 for 2006:

1. "Dreamgirls"

2. "The Last King of Scotland"

3. "The Departed"

4. "Akeelah & the Bee"

5. "Catch A Fire"

6. "Idlewild"

7. "Bobby"

8. "The Devil Wears Prada"

9. "Pursuit of Happyness"

10. "Inside Man"