His 2009 film '' Precious '' told the story of an obese , illiterate , 16-year-old girl ( Gabourey Sidibe ) who lives in a Section 8 tenement in Harlem . She has been impregnated twice by her father , Carl , and suffers long-term physical , sexual , and emotional abuse from her unemployed mother , Mary ( Mo'Nique ) . Carey appeared as a social worker . The film screened at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and went on to garner widespread acclaim . Daniels was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director , and the film received a Best Picture nomination . It was a financial success grossing $ 63 million worldwide against a budget of $ 10 million
2009 Sundance Film Festival
2009 Sundance Film Festival
Lee Daniels