Nearly all of 2009, the world has been buzzing about the Lee Daniels film “Precious: Based on the Novel PUSH by Sapphire.”  Not since "Dreamgirls" has a film with a predominately African-American cast received so much attention and matched with award buzz.  Executive produced by Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, "Precious" tells the story of an obese African-American teen living a life of horror, but trying to battle against the odds.  The film also includes Paula Patton, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey and shoe-in Oscar performance from Mo'Nique. 

Oscar is usually in the same sentence as "Precious," but in a sit down with BET.com, Daniels stressed, "I don't do movies for people, I do movies for me.  I never think about how it's going to be received. If I did, I would never do a movie about a 350-pound Black girl because who would think anybody would come see a film like this."  Daniels' conviction for film has transcended weight and race.  With appearances from the cast on "Oprah," "Ellen," "Larry King Live" and more, everyone now wants to see a film about a 350-pound Black teen.

The woman who breathes life into the role is Gabourey Sidibe, a 26-year-old newcomer.  One can only imagine playing such a tortured and downtrodden character would affect the actress.  However, Sidibe walked into the film with a built-in confidence.  "I fully believe I am beautiful," Sidibe explains with a smile.  "I have a view of myself and nobody else interrupts it at all. Also, it's not words I hadn't heard growing up. I certainly had been called names before and after awhile it slides off of you."

The story of "Precious" is not limited to obese girls from the hood. Lee Daniels, a Philadelphia native, has had his own pressures that allowed him to understand what it means to feel isolated.  The director, who helped Halle Berry win an Oscar in 2002 with his film "Monster's Ball," opened up about his own life. "In the Black American community, homophobia is rampant. I think it is very difficult to be out, gay and Black.  I feel very much alone, especially amongst my people.  It's a very lonely place."  However, it's the vigor in his truth that could be what has brought him here today.  Daniels stresses, "I'm not going to live a f*cking lie. I'd rather get stoned, be made fun of and take a bullet."  He adds, "It's not cute being out, but it's a really important part of the story that I think is overlooked."

After opening weekend, one can only image how the lives of everyone involved with the film will change, especially the newcomers.  Will "Precious" break down barriers?  Will it just be a moment in time? When asked if she is worried about being labeled 'Precious' for the rest of her career, Sidibe casually says, "Precious is not too bad of a name to be called or to be associated with.  I have so many good memories with this film. Not that I would want to be, but I’d be fine with being called 'Precious' for the rest of my life."

"Precious" is in theaters today.

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Clay Cane is the Entertainment Editor here at BET.com.  You can read more of his work at www.claycane.net.