New York, January 7, 2007 – “Oh my god, it’s amazing. I mean, if I can make it in New York, I can make it anywhere”, Jennifer Hudson said of her best supporting actress nod at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards gala Sunday night. “When they told me I got it, I cried. That’s how much it means to me”, the Dreamgirls star added. The first-time movie actress called costars Beyonce Knowles and Jamie Foxx two of her favorite artists, and said, “To this day, when I’m around them, or my name is being mentioned in the same breath as theirs, I can’t believe it.” Hudson looked terrific at the awards gala, and claimed to have lost 25 pounds since gaining weight specifically for the role.

Forest Whitaker, who also looked slim, was more serene about being voted best actor by the New York critics. “Tonight’s really nice, because you’re going in knowing that you’re receiving an award, which is great. You can really relax with your friends.”

Helen Mirren took best actress kudos for The Queen. How did Michael Sheen prepare for the role of British Prime Minister Tony Blair in that film? “He let me run the country for five months”, Sheen deadpanned.

During the cocktail hour, all eyes were on Ryan Gosling, who circulated with his arm around an attractive blonde who was not girlfriend Rachel McAdams. The mystery date turned out to be Gosling's sister, Mandi.

Leonardo DiCaprio presented Martin Scorsese with his best director trophy for The Departed. Matt Damon, Robin Williams, James Cromwell, Bill Condon, Jim Jarmusch and Bennett Miller also served as presenters.