Oprah Winfrey : ‘Precious’ aims to translate buzz into box office gold

Film-Precious-Winfrey & Perry

The drama about an abused teenager lists Oprah Winfrey among its vocal supporters and Lionsgate has planned targeted theater runs across the nation. Now it’s up to moviegoers to take the bait.
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” has attracted abundant film festival awards and critical raves, including enthusiastic endorsements from talk-show host Oprah Winfrey and filmmaker Tyler Perry.

Now it’s time to see what that’s all worth.

The stark drama about a sexually abused teenager premieres Friday, and Lionsgate is hoping to convert the film’s early support into ticket sales during a time when audiences are steering clear of serious subject matter.critical raves

For “Precious” to succeed at the box office, it must appeal to two divergent audiences simultaneously. But can the film become a must-see for black audiences across the nation and an art-house stop for upscale, metropolitan moviegoers? And by trying to do so, does it risk appealing to neither?

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latimes.com