'Precious' Women Seek to Change Perceptions of Leading Ladies

The women of the triumphant film 'Precious' talk to "The Insider" correspondent Chris Jacobs about changing the views of leading ladies in films.

The movie -- based on the book Push by Sapphire -- follows the trials faced by Claireece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), an African-American, overweight, illiterate teenage girl living in Harlem, New York. Mo'Nique, who plays Precious' mother in the movie, says the message of the film is that "through it all, you have no excuses not to make it."

As for changing the perception of women in movies, Mo'Nique tells Chris she hopes that "they step up to the plate."

"[I hope] they realize that leading ladies come in all shapes, colors ... there's no particular set, standard for what a leading lady is. And for Gabby Sidibe, she's proven that a leading lady can be 300 pounds and be absolutely amazing."

Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Star Jones, Sherri Shepherd and 'Precious' leading lady Sidibe talk to Chris about the impact and reach of this moving movie -- watch the video to hear their reactions.

Published 11/2/09 by the Insider

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