By Jennifer Glickel
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — From the streets of Harlem to the red carpets of Hollywood, the buzz about Precious just keeps on growing.
The film, whose full title is Precious: Based On The Novel By Sapphire, snagged nominations for three Golden Globe awards, including Best Picture.
First-time leading lady Gabourey Sidibe, 26, is a contender for Best Actress and comedienne Mo'Nique was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her deadly-serious star turn.
The popular and critical acclaim is also a sign that the tale of an inner-city teen mom abused by her parents could also have a shot at the Oscars. The nominees are slated to be announced on Feb. 2.
Sidibe, who plays the lead character of heavyset, sexually abused teenager Claireece "Precious" Jones, is featured in the February issue of Harper's Bazaar for changing the image of the Hollywood 'it' girl.
"It was such a small movie when we were doing it," Sidibe told Bazaar. "None of us thought it would get half the attention it's been getting."
Mo'Nique, who plays Sidibe's cruel mother, told the New York Times that she welcomes the attention, but has no expectations about award season.
"Look, it makes me appreciative any time someone says they may want to honor your performance," she told the paper. "I’m appreciative at any talk in reference to any award, but there’s not much I can do about it now. The performance is done," Mo'Nique said.
Singer Mariah Carey, who played a socialworker in the film, earned the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2010 Palm Springs International Film Festival for her performance.
Her acceptance speech, however, was a bit less impressive, as she drunkenly slurred her words through a rambling, six-minute spiel.
"Please forgive me, because I'm a little bit, um..." Carey started to say.
An audience member shouted out, "Drunk!" to which Carey replied, "Yeah!"
