‘Precious’ Star Gabourey Sidibe Talks Mariah, Mo’Nique, & Oprah

Did you feel added pressure to do right by Sapphire [who wrote the book Push, upon which Precious is based]?
I felt immense pressure to do justice to Sapphire’s story. I hate when adaptations get it wrong. Precious was Sapphire’s baby. I also felt responsibility to Lee Daniels, who chose me from obscurity and put me in the same room as Helen Mirren, Halle Berry, and Cuba Gooding, Jr. [all of whom had been in talks to star in the film]. Helen Mirren didn’t end up doing it, because she got a real offer that paid her money instead of chicken wings.

Have you heard the rumors centered on Mo’Nique? There has been talk that she doesn’t much care about the possibility of an Oscar nomination, and that she refuses to publicize the film unless she gets paid to do so.
I hear a little bit of it, but Mr. Daniels is always like, “Don’t tell Gabby.” He always wants to keep me protected, so I’ve heard a bit of that story, but as far as I know, she is in full support of this film. It’s her film, too. On the last day of set, she told Mr. Daniels that her Oscar was his happiness with what she did with the character. So maybe that’s all she said, and it was taken completely out of context?

What’s the biggest luxury you’ve indulged in since wrapping Precious?
Why, because this film paid me a million dollars?

No, because people are saying you might be nominated for an Oscar.
I’ve been traveling so much lately, so whenever I’m home, which is usually only for one or two days, I declare it Pajama Day. I order sushi and Cold Stone ice cream, and that is my treat. My roommates are like, “Gabby, you’ve been so busy, and you haven’t been a bitch about it, so we’re going to get you a cupcake.” So yeah, I have my little rewards. You have to take them.