Jennifer Hudson nominated for 7 image awards: she’s in the lead!

Jennifer Hudson with the most individual nominations for the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards, earning seven to lead the pack for its 100th anniversary ceremony.

      “The Secret Life of Bees” received eight nominations, including one for top motion picture, the civil rights organization announced Wednesday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
      
      “Cadillac Records,” “Miracle at St. Anna,” “Seven Pounds” and “Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys” round out the best picture category.
     
      Screenwriting nominations included Gina Prince-Bythewood for “Bees”; Jenny Lumet, “Rachel Getting Married”; Darnell Martin, “Cadillac Records”; Patrik-Ian Polk and John R. Gordon, “Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom”; and Paris Qualles, “A Raisin in the Sun.”
     
      In television, ABC led all networks with 24 nominations and CBS followed with 14, while the CW and NBC scored 10 each.
     
      “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” scored six bids – the most of any series – including comedy series. “Ugly Betty” nabbed a nomination for comedy series and star America Ferrera was nominated for actress. Other comedy series cited were “The Game,” “Everybody Hates Chris” and “30 Rock.”
     
      Drama series contenders are “The Wire,” “The Unit,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “House” and “Lincoln Heights.”  In the music category, Columbia Records led with eight bids – five of which went to Beyonce.
     
      As previously reported, Russell Simmons will be feted with the Vanguard Award, and both Al Gore and Dr. Wangari Maathai will receive the Chairman’s Award.

      Halle Berry and Tyler Perry will host the affair, which will air on Fox Feb. 12 from the Shrine Auditorium.