In 1971, Diana Ross began working on her first film, "Lady Sings the Blues", which was a loosely based biography on singer Billie Holiday. Despite some criticism of her for taking the role, once the film opened in October 1972, Ross won critical acclaim for her performance in the film. Jazz critic Leonard Feather, a friend of Holiday's, praised Ross for "expertly capturing the essence of Lady Day". Ross's role in the film won her Golden Globe Award and Academy Award nominations for Best Actress. The soundtrack to "Lady Sings the Blues" became just as successful, reaching No. 1 on the "Billboard" 200, staying there for two weeks, and selling two million units.