Mo’Nique won a Best Supporting Film Actress Golden Globe for her portrayal as abusive Harlem welfare mother, Mary Jones, in Lee Daniels’ dark drama Precious.
The 42-year-old comedienne — a survivor of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of her older brother — dedicated the prize to all survivors of abuse:
“I celebrate this award with all the Preciouses, with all the Marys — I celebrate this award with every person that’s ever been touched,” she said. “It’s now time to tell. And it’s okay.”
Mo went on to gush praise for Precious director Lee Daniels and Gabourey Sidibe, a Hollywood newcomer who played the abused and illiterate Precious.
“Lee Daniels, the world gets a chance to see how brilliant you are. You are a brilliant, fearless, amazing director who would not waver, and thank you for trusting me,” Mo’Nique said. “To Gabby, sister, I am in awe of you. Thank you for letting me play with you.”
Mo’Nique business manager/husband, Sidney Hicks, stepped up to defend his wife backstage at the Critics Choice Movie Awards in Hollywood on Friday, after she was quizzed about why she’s been so lackadasical and showing to support Precious at a series of festivals and awards shows.
The comedienne picked up a Best Supporting Actress gong at the event for her portrayal of abusive ’80s welfare mother Mary Jones, was backstage chatting to the media when one journalist asked her to explain why she snubbed a series of events, including the Toronto Film Festival, New York Film Festival and New York Film Critics Awards.
Mo’Nique called Sid to the press room stage to answer the question on her behalf.
Mo’Nique is grieving the loss of Maureen Allaben, a set decorator for The Mo’Nique Show and an Atlanta-area food stylist who was murdered by her abusive husband over the weekend.
“We are all saddened by Maureen’s passing, but we also rejoice in having had the opportunity to know her sweet, soulful spirit. Live each day to the fullest,” Mo’Nique told The Insider on Thursday.
Hey Wendy, how you doin’?! Apparently, not so well. We hear the self-proclaimed “Queen of All Media,” Wendy Williams, is losing guests to Mo’Nique’s late show on BET and even Wanda Sykes’ upcoming FOX series — which will replace the long-running MADtV on FOX Saturdays next month.
Queerty.com claims Ole Wigalicious can’t even book Ru Paul!
The Wendy Williams Show has reportedly been “blacklisted” by a number of high-profile celebs — including Will Smith, Diddy, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston — who sparred with Wendy over her acid-tongued dish during her days as a radio diva.
If Mo doesn’t see any moolah, you won’t see any Mo’Nique….Mo’Nique has effectively refused to promote the film that will likely earn her a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 2010 Academy Awards.
According to Showbiz 411′s Roger Friedman, Mo’Nique — who will premiere her late-night series on BET on Monday night — will not attend the world premiere of the critically-acclaimed drama, Precious, over a cash dispute with producers. It seems the self-professed “Phat Girl” isn’t keen on not getting paid for promo appearances.
“Mo’Nique has gotten herself a reputation for demanding money for showing up to promote Precious. It’s a first in Oscar history,” Roger writes.
“Mo’Nique said she signed on to do this film for a small amount of money. She said she didn’t care about ‘no Oscar’ – all that mattered was ‘those Benjamins!’ Because Oprah and Tyler Perry are backing the film, she feels as though there should be a budget to pay for her promotional duties…” Precious, which opens in November, will be the subject of a huge premiere in New York City this weekend.
The money troubles are so bad, Mo’s publicist of two weeks, Tresa Sanders, quit Thursday, after growing tired of having to come up with excuses about why Mo’Nique is not promoting the film and won’t attend this weekend’s premiere
Mo’Nique will debut her BET late night talk show on Oct. 5. The buxom comedienne has sparked Oscar buzz with her critically-acclaimed role as an abusive mother in the riveting upcoming film Precious.
BET is expected to unveil reality shows about R&B star Monica, Everybody Hates Chris actor Terry Crews, and comedienne Mo’Nique –all expected to premiere in the fall– during the network’s upfront presentation to advertisers next week.
According to EUR, BET has greenlit “Breakin’ Up With Mo’Nique” will mark the network’s first late-night talk show, “Monica: Standing Up” will focus on the singer’s attempt to launch a comeback following an unpopular album, and “Crews Control” will focus on the actor, his wife and five children.
One of the “Original Queens of Comedy” reveals a twisted tale of incest and betrayal in the October 2008 issue of Essence Magazine, on newsstands today. Read the rest of this entry »
