A "Precious" Star is Born

Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe Discusses How She Landed Role, Working with Celebrities Mariah Carey and Monique

(CBS)  Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe has the film world abuzz over her performance in the movie "Precious," about a morbidly obese 16-year-old who lives a life of poverty, abuse and shame.

"Precious," based on the novel "Push," by Sapphire, gives a gritty look into Precious' journey from despair to hope.

The film won the audience award at the Sundance Film Festival this year, and has gained incredible critical praise, leading some to think Sidibe could win Oscar gold this year.

In addition, one enthusiastic fan -- Oprah Winfrey -- joined the film as one of the executive producers.

Oprah told CBS News, "I felt so strongly about getting as many people in the seats, as many eyes on this film as possible."

Sidibe, who saw the movie Friday night with her boyfriend, said it was "awesome" to experience it with real people outside the film industry.

She said, "Some people were crying and people were cheering at the right time."

She said some people did notice her, but didn't approach her.

"It was cool," she said.

Photos: "Precious" Premiere

Sidibe, who was a psychology major in college, didn't have any real acting experience. So how did she win the role over 500 young women?

Sidibe said she just went to the audition.

"I didn't think I would get it," she said. "I certainly wasn't nervous while doing it. And I think that helped. It helped that I just really wasn't the character at all."

Sidibe explained that director Lee Daniels felt that, if he had hired any of the other women who resembled Precious' character in any way, he would have been exploiting them.

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Referring to Precious' character, Sidibe said, "He knew that I was not that girl."

But how does a light-hearted 26-year-old, educated woman make the transition to an illiterate, abused girl, impregnated twice by her father?

Sidibe said, "I know this girl. I've known her in so many different people, so she was really familiar to me. She wasn't some drummed-up Hollywood character. She's a real person."

Daniels, as a director, she observed, "pulls performances out of people you wouldn't think they'd be able to give. ... All I had to do was listen to what he said. It was that simple."

Sidibe also had the opportunity to worked opposite high profile stars, including music superstar Mariah Carey, who played Precious' school counselor.

"It was really, really cool," Sidibe said of working with Carey. "A lot of the things we said wasn't in the script. We kind of had free range. Mr. Daniels made sure we knew what the scene was about, and we could do whatever we felt like. ... She was on her toes, and I was on my toes. It was almost like a fight, like a battle, because we're not friends really in this film at all."

The antagonistic relationship between Precious' mother, played by the comedian Mo'Nique, Sidibe, said was an "amazing" transformation.

"What's so funny, she is such a loving person," Sidibe said. "She is one of the most caring people I've ever, ever met. And when the director said 'Action,' she became this monster. And as soon as you said cut, we would hug, and we would laugh, and we would love each other so much more because of the drama between Precious and Mary."

"Precious" is currently playing in select cities, opening nationwide throughout November.

[AngieMD]

Gabby shines...

Everyone regardless of race go see this movie. Understanding social issues bring about changes and closures for so many who experienced abuse.
This movies will show us the way to come from despair and move to hope and optimism.

[sam-kiley]

bonjour maggie ..gabby
Oprah told CBS News, "I felt so strongly about getting as many people in the seats, as many eyes on this film as possible."
des milliers de paires "d'yeux "rien que ça..eh bien j'espére que votre voeu s'est réalisé oprah...on dirait que oui..mdrr
quant a gabby..je n'ai vu que la fin de l'interview...je vois son visage là elle est mignonne, elle doit avoir beaucoup de talent sinon elle n'aurait pas été choisie..c'est sur..le talent est inné, on l'a ou on l'a pas, une nouvelle vie s'offre a "gabby"..je lui souhaite de réussir et de montrer ce dont elle est capable a travers d'autres productions..bravo jeune fille... gabby..au revoir