Thandie Newton has defended Madonna's ill-received movie career - insisting the pop superstar is a talented actress. The Crash star says many critics underestimate Madonna's acting skills-- and that she will be remembered as a talented thespian.

The "Holiday" hitmaker won critical acclaim for 1985's Desperately Seeking Susan and in 1997 landed a Golden Globe award for her role in Evita. But her acting career has also been plagued with a string of box office flops including 2002's Swept Away.

But Newton says, "Actually I think Madonna is a great actress and it's only in years to come will people see that. But for me, she is truly gifted."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)