Claireece Precious Jones (Gabourey Sidibe),
Those other girls on this list think they have problems? All walks in the park compared to the burdens borne by Precious. She’s a symphony of social pathologies and epic misfortunes. Her mother physically and mentally abuses her. Her father has raped and impregnated her – twice. Her first child has Downs Syndrome. She’s in high school but can’t read or write. Her family is on welfare, and she lives in the projects. Oh, and she’s HIV-positive.
Fortunately, Sidibe, in her Oscar-nominated debut, doesn’t play Precious’ litany of heartbreak for pathos. She’s outwardly dour and defiant, wearing her scowl and her bulky physique like armor. Inwardly, she’s immersed in childlike fantasies where she’s stylish, successful, and beloved. Remarkably, she finds three caring authority figures who make extra effort to help her turn her life around For Precious, merely imagining a way out, saying yes to the adults who would lead her down the difficult path toward a brighter future, is an act of supreme courage.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUw4Qqh5Th]