Precious star 'scared' of Oscars

By Michael Osborn
Entertainment reporter, BBC News

Gabourey Sidibe plays Precious (r) who faces a multitude of problems

The lead actress in critically acclaimed US film Precious says she is daunted about possible Oscars success.

Gabourey Sidibe, who plays an abused Harlem teenager, said: "It's so scary to think about such a thing."

"I don't know if I'm an Oscar-worthy actress or I'm in an Oscar-worthy film," the actress, who is making her screen debut, told the BBC.

Precious, which also features Mariah Carey, will be shown at the London Film Festival on Friday.

The hard-hitting movie, which has the backing of Oprah Winfrey, was named best film at the Toronto Film Festival earlier this year.

'All-knowing'

The event chose Slumdog Millionaire as its main prize winner in 2008, which went on to major success at the Academy Awards.

Mo'Nique, who gives a powerful performance as Precious's dysfunctional mother in the film, is an early tip for acting plaudits at movie awards ceremonies.

The actress, better known as a comedienne in the US, was honoured for her performance at the Sundance Film Festival.

Oprah Winfrey is a major champion of the film

New talent Sidibe, who admitted co-star Mo'Nique was her idol and she was initially worried about speaking to her on set, said her achievement on the film is only just beginning to sink in.

"I still don't feel the magnitude of what I've done. I had to do it."

The star, who attends the US premiere of Precious in Los Angeles next week, added that Winfrey's involvement in the movie as executive producer is "very important".

"She is all-knowing and all powerful and has such a huge following. When she says jump, they jump.

"We've got so much more attention because of her," added Sidibe, hinting at Winfrey's plugging of the movie on her website and talk show.

The talk show host has also lent her presence on the film festival circuit.

Precious is released in the US on 6 November and is due in UK cinemas early next year.