Which American fiction movie takes strong inspiration from a Detroit female group known as ‘The Supremes’?

The 2006 American musical drama film ‘Dreamgirls’ follows the history and evolution of American rhythm and blues music during the 1960s and 1970s through the eyes of a Detroit, Michigan female group known as ‘The Dreams’ and their manipulative record executive. It is a work of fiction taking strong inspiration from the history of the Motown label of records and one of its acts, ‘The Supremes’.

The film was adapted from the 1981 Broadway musical of the same name.

Jennifer Hudson (born 1981) played Effie White, inspired by Supremes member Florence Ballard. Jamie Fox (born 1967) played Curtis Taylor, Jr. based on Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr. (born 1929). Other cast members included Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Danny Glover, Anika Noni Rose and Keith Robinson.

The 130 minute film was budgeted at $80 million and box office receipts grossed $155.4 million. At the 79th Academy Awards, the film received a leading 8 nominations, winning Best Supporting Actress (for Hudson), and Best Sound Mixing. At the 64th Golden Globe Awards, it won three awards, including for the Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.

‘The Supremes’ were a trio of female singers including Florence Ballard (1943-1976), Mary Wilson (1944-2021) and Diana Ross (born 1944). They were one of the most successful of Motown’s acts and the most successful American vocals group, with 12 number one singles on the ‘Billboard’ Hot 100. Their genres included rhythms and blues, soul, pop, doo-wop and disco.