KNOWN FOR HER JOKES MO'NIQUE PLAYS A SERIOUS ROLE IN PRECIOUS!

Every year brings a small, independent film that's special enough to break away from the pack and become its own phenomenon. This year, that movie is Lee Daniels' drama "Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push' by Sapphire," about a teenage girl (Gabourey Sidibe) fighting back after years of emotional and sexual abuse.
Film-festival attendees have been responding with an outsize passion to this powerful tale, which hits cinemas Nov. 6, ever since audiences made it the most talked-about entry at Sundance. Though everyone involved — from executive producer Oprah Winfrey to wonderful newcomer Sidibe — deserves credit, the buzz can be summed up in a single word: Mo'Nique.

Primarily known as a comic actress, Mo'Nique will stun even her most ardent fans with the depth of intensity she evokes as Precious' bitter, violent mother. It's certainly the surprise performance of the year, and a virtual lock for an Oscar nomination.

As for the actress herself, she's as easygoing as her character is angry. Exhibiting the humor and warmth she has recently displayed as host of the new late-night series "The Mo'Nique Show," she's willing to talk about anything. But her favorite subject seems to be this: If you've got love in your life, your life is good.

After five years on "The Parkers" and roles in comedies like "Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins," "Precious" is quite a departure. What inspired you to choose this film?

The story needed to be told. People are really dealing with this [kind of abuse]. When Lee Daniels called me and said, "Mo'Nique, I have something that might [mess] up your career," I said "Sign me up, sugar!"

Did you have any fears about taking on such a dark role?

No, because I've been molested. And most people who've been molested keep the secret. This story tells it. It shows you the face, the name, the history.

Is it a priority for you to empower women or girls who've found themselves in similarly tough places?

I think we should try to empower each other. There are a lot of men who've been molested, too. And they really don't tell. But when we put a name to it, we're no longer the victim. Like, I didn't do a damn thing, so why should I be screwed up for the rest of my damn life?

Audiences have certainly been responding with tremendous emotion. And a happy side note to this story is all the talk about an Oscar nomination for you.

[Laughs.] Girl!

What are your feelings about that kind of buzz?

You know what? Any buzz is exciting because I'm nothing but a kid in the midst of my dream.