Congrats to the Oscars for nods to LGBT inclusive films

GLAAD recently congratulated the creative teams and casts of 'Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire' and 'A Single Man' which received a combined seven Oscar nominations during today's announcement of nominees for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards.

Lee Daniels, honored for his work on 'Precious', became the first openly gay African American director to receive a nomination.

Both films are also nominated for Outstanding Film – Wide Release at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards. The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for outstanding images of the LGBT community and complement GLAAD’s work to bring LGBT images and stories to Americans.

“These films tell inclusive and diverse stories of our community which grow awareness and understanding of the lives of gay and transgender people,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios, “We need to advocate for more gay-inclusive stories to be shared with mainstream audiences because as more people see these images, they realize that we have the same aspirations, hopes, and deserve the same chances to take care of our loved ones and families.”

Starz Denver Film Festival: Precious

I saw an advance screening of 'Precious' for the Starz Denver Film Festival yesterday and I'm embargoed from reviewing it until it gets its official release on November 20 but I will say that it certainly lives up to the hype. Bring a box of tissues because it's a tearjerker.

The film premieres tonight for Opening Night of the Starz Denver Film Festival but it is sold out so if you haven't gotten your tickets yet, you're gonna have to wait just a little bit longer.

Check out reviews from Time, Jezebel, and Rich at FourFour but beware of spoilers!

Precious to open 2009 Starz Denver Film Festival

The 32nd Starz Denver Film Festival (SDFF32) will open with a red carpet gala screening of the highly-anticipated, award-winning feature film, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire."

Local luminaries and the film's producers, Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness will attend Opening Night and walk the red carpet along with the director, Lee Daniels, and the film's young star, Gabourey Sidibe.

"Precious" is the first film to win both the Sundance and Toronto audience awards. The gripping story follows a pregnant, illiterate 16-year-old teenager living in Harlem. Things appear to have hit rock bottom until Clareece "Precious" Jones receives an invitation to attend an alternative school where her life could take a different direction.



Read more after the jump.


"We're extremely excited and honored to have 'Precious' open the 32nd Starz Denver Film Festival," said Britta Erickson, Festival Director. "This is an incredibly well-crafted film with local roots and provides yet another strong affirmation of the important role our city and state continue to play in the international film industry."

Daniel's second film creates a compelling portrait of underprivileged and ignored youth and minorities. "Precious," like Sapphire's 1996 book "Push," reminds us of the dangers of passing judgments on others without having walked a mile in their shoes. Sidibe's performance as Precious has been considered one of the most electrifying debuts in years. The star-studded cast also includes Mo'Nique, Mariah Carey, Paula Patton and Lenny Kravitz.

This year's Opening Night event takes place Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Tickets for the award-winning film and Opening Night celebration go on sale to Denver Film Society members on Oct. 28 and Oct. 30 for the general public.