Jennifer Hudson Made ‘Respect’ Biopic Crew Cry, Director Says

“Respect” star Jennifer Hudson was so good in portraying the late Aretha Franklin that it made the crew of the upcoming biopic cry.

The project’s director, Liesl Tommy, recently had an interview with People to discuss the new film about the Queen of Soul. During the interview, Tommy revealed that there was a point when members of the crew were moved to tears by the 39-year-old singer-actress’ performance as Franklin.

“There were grown, hardened grips crying,” said the helmer, recalling the moment when the crew on set got emotional as Hudson sang a rendition of Franklin’s classic in front of them for the first time.

“I think that's part of why people worked so hard [on the film]. They understood how much she was giving, how hard Jennifer was working. She would sing and sing and sing and sing on those days. It was astounding,” Tommy added.

Hudson also opened up to the outlet about her portrayal of Franklin, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 76 due to pancreatic cancer.

“Even when I do a tribute, I like the people [I'm honoring] to be able to see themselves how we see them. They never really get to see themselves. So it's like, ‘How can I help you get to see how we see you?’” she said.

In a separate interview with Variety, the “If This Isn’t Love” hitmaker admitted that even after takes, she could still feel that she was embodying the soul music icon.

“She’s still with me, almost every day in some way. Sometimes, coming off of the film, while taking pictures with someone, I’m like, ‘Oh wow, I’m smiling like Aretha.’ Or ‘That response was more Aretha-like,’” she told the outlet.

“Respect” is set for release on Thursday. Ahead of its premiere, Hudson has already been generating Oscar buzz since the trailer for the biopic was released in May.

When Hudson made a guest appearance on “CBS Sunday Morning” in July, she revealed that Franklin herself told her that she could win an Academy Award if she was going to portray her in a movie.

“The very first thing Aretha said to me when we sat down was, ‘You’re going to win an Oscar for playing me, right?’ I didn’t know what to say,” the Hollywood star said.

If Hudson were to really win an Oscar for the biopic, it wouldn’t be the first time for her to take home the golden statue. She previously won an Oscar for her role as Effie in the 2006 musical “Dreamgirls.”