Life in Film: Beyoncé Knowles

Bey's evolution on the big screen.

Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001)   - For her acting debut, Beyoncé aims high as the lead in this hip-hopped TV version of the classic opera Carmen. As an African-American, she follows in the footsteps of Dorothy Dandridge who became the first Black woman nominated for a best actress Oscar (playing Carmen in the 1954 film Carmen Jones—a Black version of the opera).(Photo: Courtesy New Line Cinema)

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Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001)   - For her acting debut, Beyoncé aims high as the lead in this hip-hopped TV version of the classic opera Carmen. As an African-American, she follows in the footsteps of Dorothy Dandridge who became the first Black woman nominated for a best actress Oscar (playing Carmen in the 1954 film Carmen Jones—a Black version of the opera).(Photo: Courtesy New Line Cinema)

Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)  - In this third installment of Austin Powers, Bey makes her film debut playing, of course, a singer. Not just any vocalist, though, but a Pam Grier-inspired FBI agent named Foxxy Cleopatra who’s undercover as a disco singer.(Photo: Courtesy New Line Cinema)

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Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)  - In this third installment of Austin Powers, Bey makes her film debut playing, of course, a singer. Not just any vocalist, though, but a Pam Grier-inspired FBI agent named Foxxy Cleopatra who’s undercover as a disco singer.(Photo: Courtesy New Line Cinema)

The Fighting Temptations (2003)  - Beyoncé continues playing the role that befits her—the singer. Cuba Gooding, Jr. stars as an out-of-work ad executive who attempts to revive a church choir in order to enter a gospel competition.  He has the help of Ms. Knowles, a chanteuse, with whom he soon falls in love.(Photo: Courtesy David Lee/Paramount Pictures)

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The Fighting Temptations (2003)  - Beyoncé continues playing the role that befits her—the singer. Cuba Gooding, Jr. stars as an out-of-work ad executive who attempts to revive a church choir in order to enter a gospel competition.  He has the help of Ms. Knowles, a chanteuse, with whom he soon falls in love.(Photo: Courtesy David Lee/Paramount Pictures)

Pink Panther (2006) - The former Destiny’s Child lead helps reboot the famed Pink Panther comedic film series, starring as Xania, the pop star girl of a murdered soccer coach who helps Inspector Clouseau (Steve Martin) solve the case of a missing diamond.(Photo: Courtesy Fox Pictures)

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Pink Panther (2006) - The former Destiny’s Child lead helps reboot the famed Pink Panther comedic film series, starring as Xania, the pop star girl of a murdered soccer coach who helps Inspector Clouseau (Steve Martin) solve the case of a missing diamond.(Photo: Courtesy Fox Pictures)

Dreamgirls (2006)   - Bey enters the Hollywood big league, this time playing the Diana Ross-inspired role of Deena Jones in this film adaptation of the Broadway musical. Beyonce wanted the Oscar for her acting, but the statue ended up going to cast member, Jennifer Hudson.(Photo: Courtesy Dreamworks Pictures)

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Dreamgirls (2006)   - Bey enters the Hollywood big league, this time playing the Diana Ross-inspired role of Deena Jones in this film adaptation of the Broadway musical. Beyonce wanted the Oscar for her acting, but the statue ended up going to cast member, Jennifer Hudson.(Photo: Courtesy Dreamworks Pictures)

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Cadillac Records (2008)  - In this film based on the story of Chess Records, Beyoncé continued her streak of heavy-hitting film roles. Here, she tackled a portrayal of heroin-addicted R&B pioneer Etta James. (Photo: Courtesy Sony Music Film)

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Cadillac Records (2008)  - In this film based on the story of Chess Records, Beyoncé continued her streak of heavy-hitting film roles. Here, she tackled a portrayal of heroin-addicted R&B pioneer Etta James. (Photo: Courtesy Sony Music Film)

Obsessed (2009)  - Ditching the singer typecast, Beyoncé took the role of Idris Elba’s wife and mother of an infant son in this rip-off of the erotic thriller classic Fatal Attraction. When Idris can’t put a crazy chick in check, Bey steps up and knuckles up to beat the girl down. (Photo: Courtesy Screen Gems)

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Obsessed (2009)  - Ditching the singer typecast, Beyoncé took the role of Idris Elba’s wife and mother of an infant son in this rip-off of the erotic thriller classic Fatal Attraction. When Idris can’t put a crazy chick in check, Bey steps up and knuckles up to beat the girl down. (Photo: Courtesy Screen Gems)

Beyoncé: Year of 4 (2011) - This documentary shows the year-long personal and artistic journey which inspired Beyoncé's fourth solo album, 4.(Photo: Courtesy Gray Cat Productions)

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Beyoncé: Year of 4 (2011) - This documentary shows the year-long personal and artistic journey which inspired Beyoncé's fourth solo album, 4.(Photo: Courtesy Gray Cat Productions)