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TV Guide network brings 'Precious: The Story Behind The Movie' Feb. 20

By April MacIntyre Feb 11, 2010, 16:54 GMT

provided by Lionsgate on 03 February 2010 - US actress Gabourey Sidibe in movie \'Precious: Based on the Novel \'Push\' by Sapphire\'. Sidibe is nominated for Best Actress at the 82nd annual Academy Awards. EPA/ANNE MARIE FOX / HO

Tune in alert for fans of the film "Precious," which has become an award season darling.

Director Lee Daniels, co-star Mo'Nique and star of the film, Gabourey Sidibe have created a huge Oscar buzz, as they sweep through the award season leading up to the main event.

The premise of the film begins in Harlem, circa 1987, and is the story of Claireece Precious Jones, a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want.

Pregnant for the second time by her absent father; at home, she must wait hand and foot on her mother, a bitter and violent woman who abuses her emotionally and physically.

School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: she can neither read nor write.

Precious may sometimes be down, but under her impassive expression is a watchful, curious young woman who senses that other possibilities exist for her. Threatened with expulsion, Precious is offered the chance to transfer to an alternative school, Each One/Teach One.

In the literacy workshop, Precious begins a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain and powerlessness to light, love and self-determination.

Even Mariah Carey has received critical praise for her stripped down de-glamorized role in the film.  She surprised many people with her performance as a counselor who talks straight to Precious.

The film has garnered six Academy Award nominations to its credit, as well as many other accolades.

TV Guide Network goes behind the scenes to present the exclusive one-hour special "Precious: The Story Behind The Movie," premiering Saturday, February 20 at 8:00 PM, ET/PT. 

Hosted by Tanika Ray, this documentary chronicles the film's journey from page to screen, and includes never-before-seen footage, exclusive interviews, and the emotional reactions from those who have seen the movie and been touched by the story.

In an exclusive interview, Gabourey Sidibe shares with TV Guide Network her perspective on the film:

"A lot of people are afraid to see the movie because they think it’s so dark but it’s actually a beautiful film and it makes you appreciate the light in your life."

For additional information on this emotionally moving special and the story behind it, please visit here.