Precious Honored with 6 Nods from the Academy Awards
If you haven't seen the film Precious yet, go, and go now. It is groundbreaking work that addresses relevant social issues. It is not simply a tearjerker, as it has light, hope and uplifting moments that carry throughout. It remains a must see and the Academy Awards agree, to the tune of six nominations.
Precious was based on Sapphire's novel Push, and its path from the little film at Sundance continues to be amazing. Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry were Executive Producers on the film.
Lee Daniels was nominated for Best Director. Daniels is the second African American to ever be nominated in this category — this is a well-deserved honor. The story he told was penetrating, intense and realistic, as were the performances he elicited from the actors. This is Lee's second time directing a movie, the first was Shadowboxer in 2005, however, this isn't his first time at the Academy Awards. Daniels also produced Monster's Ball which won Halle Berry her groundbreaking Best Actress Oscar.
Gabourey Sidibe, a complete newcomer who played the title role of Precious, gave a riveting Oscar-worthy performance and was rewarded with a nod in the Best Actress category. She is up against the likes of Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock, who are known favorites. Based on viewing the three performances, I feel Sidibe should walk away with the golden man, but odds are it will go to one of the better known. A surprise here would be most welcome.
Mo'Nique, who played the mother of Precious, has been nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Best known for her comedic roles, she took a risk and went completely against type here and did it masterfully. It was a powerful role and a commanding performance. She has been trampling the competition and took home not only a Golden Globe, but also the SAG award for her work in Precious. If these honors are any indication the Oscar should be hers.
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