Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire
“For precious girls everywhere.”
Synopsis
In Harlem in 1987, Claireece "Precious" Jones is a 16-year-old African American girl born into a life no one would want. She's pregnant for the second time by her absent father, and at home she must wait hand and foot on her mother, an angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is chaotic and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and a secret – she can't read.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Official TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2009-05-20
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Gabourey Sidibe
Precious
Mo'Nique
Mary
Paula Patton
Ms. Rain
Mariah Carey
Ms. Weiss
Sherri Shepherd
Cornrows
Lenny Kravitz
Nurse John
Stephanie Andujar
Rita
Chyna Layne
Rhonda
Amina Robinson
Jermaine
Xosha Roquemore
Joann
Angelic Zambrana
Consuelo
Aunt Dot
Toosie
Nealla Gordon
Mrs. Lichenstein
Grace Hightower
Socialworker
Barret Helms
Tom Cruise
Kimberly Russell
Katherine
Bill Sage
Mr Wicher
Susan Taylor
Fairy Godmother
Release History & Theatrical Window
Cannes Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
November 6, 2009
Wide Cinema Exhibition
March 24, 2011
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$10M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$47.5M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
4.75x
+$37.5M net gain
Theatrical Status
Mega Hit
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Lee Daniels
- Screenplay & Story
- Geoffrey S. Fletcher
- Original Score
- Mario Grigorov
- Original Title
- Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English, Italian
- Runtime
- 1h 50m
- Production Budget
- $10M
- Worldwide Gross
- $47.5M
- Production Studios
- Smokewood Entertainment Group, Lee Daniels Entertainment
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Lee Daniels
Geoffrey S. Fletcher, Sapphire
Mario Grigorov
Andrew Dunn
Joe Klotz
Sarah Siegel-Magness, Lee Daniels, Gary Magness, Lisa Cortés, Oprah Winfrey
Department Leadership Roster
Lee Daniels
Director
Geoffrey S. Fletcher
Screenplay
Roshelle Berliner
Production Design
Roy Farfel
Stunt Coordinator
Gene Harrison
Stunt Coordinator
Andrew Dunn
Director of Photography
Joe Klotz
Editor
Sarah Siegel-Magness
Producer
Lee Daniels
Producer
Marina Draghici
Costume Design
Gary Magness
Producer
Mario Grigorov
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire.
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North American Cinema
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Frequently Asked Questions About Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire about?
In Harlem in 1987, Claireece "Precious" Jones is a 16-year-old African American girl born into a life no one would want. She's pregnant for the second time by her absent father, and at home she must wait hand and foot on her mother, an angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is chaotic and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and a secret – she can't read.
Who directed Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire?
Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire was directed by Lee Daniels.
Who stars in Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire?
The principal cast of Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire includes Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd.
When was Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire released and how long is it?
Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire was released in 2009 with a total runtime of 1h 50m.
What was the box office and production budget of Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire?
Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire had a reported production budget of $10M and grossed $47.5M at the worldwide box office (4.75 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).
Who composed the musical score for Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire was composed by Mario Grigorov.
Is Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire based on a book or true story?
Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Sapphire".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire?
Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire holds official age classifications: AU: MA 15+; CA: R; DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); FR: 12 (Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.); GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).