I don’t think I’ve seen this much anticipation for a movie since Dreamgirls in 2006.  However, this is a different type of film – no glamour, no singing, no dancing.  A hardcore script, fearless acting, flawless direction by Lee Daniels and a new star in Gabourey Sidibe, who plays the lead.

Precious is based on the novel Push by Sapphire.  While BET.com has been covering this movie for months, after the trailer debuted on Oprah yesterday, many people are declaring Oscar for Mo’Nique.  Entertainment Weekly raved:

“The trailer for the Sundance favorite Precious has hit the airwaves, and good heavens, it is stunning.“  EW continues, “I’ve caught wind of grumblings for a nomination for Mo’Nique before, and while it’s ludicrously irrational to make such proclamations based on a two-and-a-half minute trailer, I will confirm she does indeed look amazing. (That scene at 1:35? WOW.) Yes: Mo’Nique. Also known as the former host of VH1’s Charm School. And the star of Soul Plane. And Phat Girlz.”

Then, there is Mariah Carey, who plays a Harlem social worker.  Her performance has been praised as “pitch perfect.”  She is stripped down from the glam and “Glitter” – however, if anyone saw WiseGirls, you know that Mariah does have acting chops.  This just might put her over the top.

This is what acting is about — reinventing yourself down to your voice, look and style.

Precious is the story of an overweight teen who is struggling with poverty, identity and pregnancy.  The movie is directed by Lee Daniels and also includes Lenny Kravitz and Paula Patton.

I will go this far:  Unless Meryl Streep or Halle Berry has some tricks up their sleeves — Mo’Nique will get an Oscar nod in 2010 and Mariah Carey will at least get a  Golden Globe nomination.

Precious might just be the most important film about the lives of black women since The Color Purple.  Check out the trailer.

Also, don’t forget Mo’Nique has a new talkshow right here on BET!  Click here for a preview!

TAGS: Lee Daniels, Mariah Carey, Mo'Nique, Precious

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