Oprah Winfrey & Tyler Perry Start The 'Precious' Oscar Push

TORONTO — Lee Daniels has an Oscar-winning movie to his credit, but he still needed some big-time help to draw attention to his latest film about a girl who overcomes crushing abuse.

He got it from Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry. They are the executive producers of "Precious," which had a premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival over the weekend.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Winfrey said she was happy to help bring more attention to the film.

"Everyone needs someone to help them navigate," the TV talk-show host explained. "I had Bill Cosby, Quincy Jones, Sidney Poitier and Maya Angelou who I look to. You can't do that on your own. Someone has to show it to you."

Daniels, who directed "Precious," produced "Monster's Ball," which won Halle Berry an Oscar for best actress in 2002.

"Precious" was adapted from Sapphire's novel "Push." It tells the story of an illiterate black girl who manages to rise above poverty, sexual and mental abuse. The film, which stars Mo'Nique, Mariah Carey, Paula Patton and others, won the grand jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and has been generating Oscar buzz.

Still, Daniels believes the cachet of Winfrey and hit filmmaker Perry will help the film, which comes out Nov. 6, build a greater audience.

Perry's latest movie, the comedy "I Can Do Bad All by Myself," opened at the top of the box office this weekend. Besides directing and writing the film, based on his stage play of the same name, Perry co-stars as his brash, cross-dressing alter ego, Madea. Perry's "Madea Goes to Jail" also opened at No. 1 in February.

"My movies are art films. So many people don't see art films. People do see Oprah and Tyler's movies and they do hear Oprah's word, so it is really good," Daniels said.

Carey, Patton and newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, who plays the title role, gathered at a private cocktail reception prior to the movie's Toronto premiere where they later joined Winfrey on the red carpet.

"I couldn't wait to get here because I love it so much and I couldn't wait to see it again. I am just really excited," said Carey.

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On the Net:

http://www.weareallprecious.com/

Comments

[Niasia]

I will definitely see this. The trailer made me watery eyed.

[Julie02]

The trailer itself brought me to tears. I expect it's an awesome flick.

[keene]

I too read the book many years ago. Sapphire is a powerful writer. Do yourself a service and read the book.

[brent777]

I saw this movie at Sundance. It's a must see. If any of you are in the Milwaukee area Oct 4th my niece just told me it will show at the Milwaukee film festival on that date. Think I will fly home to see it and family too....

[iRock]

I have been waiting for this movie to come out and I just can't wait to see this. The previews look promising and I hope it gets a lot of attention when it finally does hit.

[jazzifay]

I've been waiting for months for it to come out. This will be a powerful movie from what I've seen of the trailer. Monique will probably win an Oscar for her performance in this.

[Dalovely]

I have read the book many years ago and it is unforgettable. Gut wrenching and heartbreaking. I saw the trailer and undoubtedly Monique and this new actress Gabourey will get Oscar nods.

[ItHadToBeSaid]

I hope it does well. The interesting casting mix will draw some, but I think the story itself will resonate with many people. Kudos to Oprah and Tyler for producing and promoting this movie. I love her philosophy: "Each one teach one."

[lionzion]

Saw the trailer for "precious" looks like Its going to be a very powerful movie.

[kappa08]

...I saw the trailer to this movie last night before my movie. It freaking moved me...It's not my type of movie for a lot of reasons. But I couldn't deny how it made me feel...I will definitely see it....