Fresh from winning numerous awards, including two Academy Awards for its screenplay (Geoffrey Fletcher) and supporting actress (Mo'Nique), the dramatic film, 'Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire,' finally landed atop the charts.
The DVD release debuted at No. 1 with 1.5 million copies sold, in addition to being the #1 rental on iTunes and Amazon.
During its theatrical run, the film grossed $47.5 million to date.
'Precious' marks Lionsgate's third number one home entertainment release for 2010 as 'Gamer' and 'Tyler Perry's 'I Can Do Bad All By Myself' both topped the charts back in January.
"It has been a thrill to watch Precious achieve such an amazing level of success," said Steve Beeks, Lionsgate President and Co-Chief Operating Officer. "With the support of our incredible partners, executive producers Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey, so many people have been touched by this vibrant, honest and hopeful film about the human capacity to grow and overcome. It has also been an honor to re-team with Lee Daniels after releasing the first film from his production company, the Academy Award winning Monster's Ball."
"From awards and critical acclaim to commercial success, we are extremely proud at the level of accomplishment this moving and important film has achieved."
Directed by Daniels from a screenplay by Fletcher based upon the book 'Push,' a novel by Sapphire, the film stars Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz and introduces Gabourey Sidibe. 'Precious' was produced by Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness.
Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Lisa Cortés and Tom Heller are Executive Producers.
Set in Harlem in 1987, Precious is the story of Claireece "Precious" Jones, a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want. She's pregnant for the second time by her absent father; at home, she must wait hand and foot on her mother, a poisonously angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: she can neither read nor write. Beneath her impassive expression is a watchful, curious young woman with an inchoate but unshakeable sense that other possibilities exist for her. Threatened with expulsion, Precious is offered the chance to transfer to an alternative school, Each One/Teach One. Precious doesn't know the meaning of "alternative," but her instincts tell her this is the chance she has been waiting for. In the literacy workshop taught by the patient yet firm Ms. Rain, Precious begins a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain and powerlessness to light, love and self-determination.
