Director Lee Daniels never gave up on getting his film, Precious, made – a battle which parallels its main character’s fight for survival. Clareece ‘Precious’ Jones is sixteen-years old, lives in Harlem and is about to have her second child. She's got a verbally abusive mother. Precious is overweight, illiterate and poor, but has an aura radiating from within that let’s you know she may be down, but never out. The film follows her gritty journey to an alternative school where she finds hope, truth and a deeper understanding of herself. Daniels’ film attracted a pretty interesting array of big-name musical talent like Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz to play roles. The most risky casting by Daniels, though, might've been comedienne Mo’Nique as Precious' abusive mother, Mary. With Oscar buzz at a steady build over Mo’Nique’s star turn, it's looking more and more like the film's director and stand-up comedienne-gone-serious are having the last laugh. We spoke with Daniels about his pretty powerful film; one that takes the time to reminds us that every day is a new day and life is, indeed, very, very precious.