Just as “Slumdog Millionaire” took the Toronto International Film Festival by storm last year, the Oprah Winfrey-produced flick “Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire” is gearing up to follow in a similar gold-paved path. The book adaptation is a dramatic movie that follows the life of a troubled Harlem teen who is illiterate and pregnant and trying to find her way in life. It’s a story of true triumph and perseverance, and as TIFF came to a close last Saturday after a week that included 355 films from 64 countries, it was announced that “Precious” would be the recipient of the coveted Cadillac People's Choice Award for Best Film. Directed by Lee Daniels (who also produced the 2001 Halle Berry-led “Monster’s Ball”), the project features new up-and-comer Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe, as well as singer Mariah Carey (whose acting resume includes “Glitter”), Mo'nique (who won the Special Jury Prize at Sundance for her role), Lenny Kravitz, Sherri Shepherd, and Paula Patton.
