Gwenivere says:
Thu, 11th Mar 20107:24 am 

If you haven't even seen precious then how can you say without a doubt that she had the best performance by an actress for the year?! In my opinion it shouldhave been Meryl Streep that won, but actually saw all the movies that the actresses were nominated for to be able to make a fair judgement. That being said of course her weight has something to do with it. Everyone in Hollywood needs something to make them stand out from the rest. My question is since you embrace her very large figure, do you really think that is the best role model. There is no doubt that she is a talented person from what we have seen. And she has a lovely personality to boot. But, no one can deny that she looks unhealthy. I'm all for embracing curvy women and accepting every body shape big and small, but for us to all say Gabby looks great is like saying Kate Moss's weight also looks great on her. It's one extreme to another.

Cait says:
Thu, 11th Mar 20108:18 am 

You haven't seen Precious, but you keep going saying what a talented actress she is…

Jpossible says:
Thu, 11th Mar 201011:05 am 

UM, She definitely did not deserve the Oscar. Sorry, but as someone who has seen Precious, The Blind Side and Julie&Julia, Meryl deserved it the most, then Sandra, then ANYONE but Gabby. I don't care that she's fat (which she is) but that girl has an ego the size of her ass with no talent to back it up. Her 15 minutes are up. Unless there is another calling for a 300 black actress, she's done in Hollywood.

Len says:
Thu, 11th Mar 201011:13 am 

This article is hilarious. You go on and on about how great she is and even get worked up about her not winning the Oscar but have never seen the movie? What are you basing your opinion of her on?

natalie says:
Thu, 11th Mar 20101:11 pm 

I totally agree with everyone. Although I haven't seen Precious and don't know about her "sweet and bubbly" personality and "incredible talent"..all I can say is this girl needs. to. lose. weight. I'm not saying this in a negative way or a hurtful way…but this girl is morbidly obese and extremely unhealthy. I watched the Oscars and listened to Oprah's tribute to her but can't understand why she said she was on the threshold of a brilliant career. I'm sure she's a great acctress but how versatile is she with the way she looks? I'm not saying you have to be stick thin to make it in Hollywood but how many roles are really available for an extremely obese woman? Precious' script was fit just for her and that's why she got the part. But how many movies like Precious are going to be made??

Also, I agree with Gwenivere…how is it a good thing to embrace her large figure? Yes, embracing curves is good but embracing someone on the verge of (or might even have) diabetes and high cholesterol and definitely heart problems. That's saying..it's okay if you're obese. Eat all the bad food you want because you'll still make it in Hollywood! It's okay if you're unhealthy! Being that obese also makes you wonder how much self-esteem someone has. How can you actually care about yourself if this is how you treat your body? And we all know lack of confidence is very unattractive. Unfortunately, I don't think she'll make it very far, in Hollywood or in life.

Charlotte says:
Thu, 11th Mar 20101:36 pm 

As much of a dick as Stern is, his points about how it's dumb that Hollywood is acting like she's one of them, and how she does not have a lasting career ahead of her are spot on.

It's sad, but look at the audience at the Oscars. Those are the people getting repeat work, not her.

ihatestupidpeople says:
Fri, 12th Mar 20104:04 am 

WOW. I am at a loss for words…almost. I cannot believe how ridiculous this article is. You, the author, basically proved your own point that we treat this woman differently because of her weight. You pretty much automatically assume that because she is overweight and has a "bubbly" personality that she MUST have had the best performance despite the fact that you've never even seen the movie. How can you say she is an incredibly talented actress when you haven't even seen the one movie she's been in? This girl may have given a good performance (I haven't seen the film so I can only go on the fact she's an Oscar nominee)but it's true, she was picked for that role mostly based on how she looked and how she looks will probably only get her as far as this film

Lessie Thomas says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20102:49 am 

Gabby has a beautiful spirit. It is the person whom she is that got her the role as "Precious." Her weight, the way she holds her mouth, and her personality made her the perfect person for the part. Now, that's a destiny driven life. She became an award winning actress over night so to speak. She is African American and beautiful. Her skin is flawless.

Who are we to say she will not get any other roles in Hollywood.

Hollywood beauty as we see everyday is flawed with drug abuse and suicide. Who wants to be like that???

When I see Gabby's weight, I worry about her health. Her heart is carrying too much weight. Diabetes is so prominent now and obesity is a number one risk factor. Hyertension is another problem that may be looking around the corner. And then I also wonder if there are endocrine problems? Prayerfully, she will meet the right lifestyle coach in Hollywood who will lead her in the right direction because if she slims down to Howard Stern's approval, all of Hollywood is in trouble. Howard she might even take your jobs. She's young and fresh. You are old and out-of-touch.How dare you complain??

Gabby, my advise to you is to just stay away from Howard Stern and his drug pushing and drug addicted colleagues.

mcfabulous says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20103:16 am 

The movie is about abuse…it's almost impossible to win an award at something in which the topic is unfamiliar—as one of you stated she was handed a script…and got busy…therefore as many actors/actresses do–there was no research towards the part. So possibly we have both…she is an incredible person…innate…that doesn't mean there's not an eating disorder…or residual pain from traumas that allowed for this performance…we don't know her. In this world we have to many either, or situations. Yes for her sake a weight loss won't her, and we know if the role did not call for someone this size we and color…we would not know her name…so don't get it twisted, they let her on the show…did you really expect anything more.

fittmom says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20103:32 am 

I would love to train her! She's cute as a bug, but face it..she's very, very obese and it's NOT good for her…Either for life…or career…She should go on biggest loser! Learn to eat correctly and to exercise..I believe she is bigger than Shay…who was THE heaviest woman on the BL. Tell Jillian and Bob to reach out to her…She could have a great career..She IS talented..but the weight is going to hold her back for sure. Unless somehow overnight Hollywierd has changed it's stance for stick thin unhealthy women with giant boobs that is…

rose says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20103:35 am 

This movie was very hard to watch. Everyone did a great job and Monique was terrifying. I still have that abrasive voice in my head.

When Gaby wept at the Oscars, I cried too.

carneyva says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20104:12 am 

The whole business with Sidibe is a cruel and wicked fraud. This girl has minimal talent and NO future in acting, and Oprah's spiel to the contrary was nauseating. She is being used as little more than a freak-show act to all the Hollywood phonies, who have given her her 15 minutes. Five years from now, Sidibe will be the answer to a trivia question Seasoned, accomplished, beautiful black actresses such as Halle Berry, Sanaa Lathan, Karyn Parsons, et. al. cannot get acting jobs, so ask yourselves, who's going to PAY to see Sidibe? I saw "Precious", and to see this young woman eating a whole bucket of fried chicken is hardly acting. She needs to take some of that money and get into a serious weight-loss regimen, otherwise she won't live to 35. Then she needs to take the rest and go to college.

Optimist says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20104:18 am 

I cannot believe all these negative and mean posts because I saw Precious and I don't know what everyone else is talking about but Gabourey was amazing in it and deserved the Oscar! And I don't understand why everyone is so concerned with how she looks and so quick to criticize and put her down. Why is it never ok to be yourself anymore? That's why our society sucks because most people are a**holes trying to put others down and never look at themselves first but try to find fault in others. Yes we get it she is overweight, and yes it probably will be more difficult for her to find certain roles, but to me Gabourey has been so inspiring. It showed me that it is ok to be who you are and you don't have to adjust yourself to society's standards and people will still admire you and dreams can come true as they have for her. Yes she is over-weight, get over it! Don't like her then change the channel. Whether she is healthy or unhealthy it is her choice!! And p.s. Howard Stern is one ugly, nasty a**hole so I don't know how he is gonna talk bad about others.

Steph says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20105:26 am 

It's amazing to me that no one sees themselves in the mirror but can criticize and demean an amazing performance by a new-found talent such as Gabby. So what if she's heavy, ladies and gentlemen, are you such a prize winning beauty that you have the right to humiliate another person? Is your eyes the most beautiful, your nose the straightest and while we're on the subject, Mr. Howard Stern, you are the last person to throw stones-you are the most ugly man, bar none, I have ever seen and to boot, no amount of toothpaste could freshen your mouth…it's a sesspool of filth…no wonder you have to take American Idol just to get back onto prime time TV-I pity that show-with you appearing on it-this is it's last season!!! Before you attack someone else's appearance, try improving your own-a haircut might help and plastic surgery couldn't hurt either!!!! Gabby is talented, no matter what her size…there are alot of actresses that are heavy…Queen Latifah isn't exactly a model for the original stick figure or hadn't you noticed, Mr. Stern…stop throwing stones, Howard and start fixing things at home first-you might find that more of a challenge than getting back on TV was…it just might keep you busier than your stripper girlfriends did!

Julia says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20105:28 am 

I have seen the movie and I didnt think it was great nor the acting. Monique did a lot more acting than Gabby. I am a big girl myself, kudos to her being big AND getting the part. I think the story was very dramatic but not her acting. I think she got the part because she fit the look they needed, which doesnt mean she is going to continue getting leading lady parts in the future. I have not seen the Julie & Julia yet but I will soon. I'm interested in Meryl's performance.

JessicaL says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20105:34 am 

To everyone saying she can't get work because if her weight it's simply not true. She has too projects that just finished up this year. One of which is a TV series. Granted she may not get the pretty girl role I would much rather see an actress play a role of sunstance. Beauty is only skin deep and while I do agree that she's at an unhealthy weight that can be changed.

Moe says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20105:42 am 

Thank you Optimist! I'm reading all of the entries and am overwhelmed by the amount of criticism of this young woman in regard to her size. I agree – Its no one's business! She is the one to decide whether she should or wants to lose weight. We are so concerned with being PC in regards to color, race, sex etc etc etc. And while I agree with all of it – there is another type of discrimination that exists for people of size and it seems to be accepted that people should be put down, and publicly humiliated – not because of who they are, and what they've contributed – but because of how much they weigh!

Shame on all of you. I pity your relatives that may have diabetes or heart problems because you are probably sitting back making judgement on them – it MUST be THEIR own fault. They must DESERVE what they get! I know many thin people with very high cholesterol and heart disease – and what about the thin people that smoke like a chimney! Leave the girl alone. She'll change what she decides to change and in her own time – under her own terms.

M. says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20105:57 am 

This actress portrayed a realistic and painful picture of existing socio-economic and culture problems that need to be addressed and corrected, and they had to cast someone that would be true to the character and script. However this does not give her, or any actress they could've chosen, an automatic award because the movie she's in depicts something that makes people uncomfortable or angry and therefore justify the action "let's give her an Oscar, so we can all feel better about it!" And for the author of this article to not even have seen the movie (thanks for your honesty anyways!) it just shows how much of a ovine mentality some people that fall into the category of some specific cultural crowds who blindly follow when the Oprahs of this world dictate the quality and merit of anything they are promoting to further their own agenda (also evident when "pushing" certain political figures!). To comment on the merits of the actors/acting in this movie without having seen "Precious" just shows a measure of ignorance and completely shoots the credibility and future attempts, on the part of this author, to give any legitimate opinions on any other issues! Sorry but I also had to be honest!

Tabitha says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20106:02 am 

i dont know what to say , but weight shouldn't be a problem in the acting industry, John Goodman was big, Roseanne was big, and many more actors and actresses was a little overwight, so what is it to complain about a young woman thats overweight, is it because she's "BLACK", and if that has something to do with it then why did they even give her the part to play if they felt she was too big they should have gotten a skinny rich girl like, with a low self-esteem and no education as well as Gabby in the movie, that was on the producers and directors who filmed the movie, i always went by the quote "PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH" WAKE UP REALITY WEIGHT DOESN'T MATTER AT ALL………I DON'T THINK SO, DO YOU?

Callie says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20106:59 am 

I saw Precious, and thought that maybe the actress was just playing herself… until I saw an interview with her and she talked like a teenage valley girl! I realized that she really did give a great performance! She was the anchor in the movie, and she brought us to a very dark and emotional place. Without a doubt she is talented.

Does she need to lose weight? Without a doubt. But it is a personal issue, and hopefully she will address it. In the meantime, let's not tear her down for it. She could have a future ahead of her in acting, but she will need to lose weight to have more opportunities. I wish her well.

And this author is an idiot!!! Why can't you spare 90 minutes to watch the damn movie online?? Fire this fool!!!

Campgirl says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20107:15 am 

This is the craziest thing I've ever heard! Yes, I watched the movie and it was very upsetting. I have to say that I had a hard time understanding Gabby in parts of the movie. She just didn't speak clearly. Now Monique, no problem, thats talent and thats why she won an oscar. But for anyone to say that Sandy didn't deserve that oscar is just crazy. She deserved it, and she won it, and she accecpted it with grace,poise,and the true meaning of a STAR!

Marie says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20108:08 am 

THIS COMMENT IS FOR UGGERRRRRLY HOWARD STERN….WHO ARE YOU TO THROW VICIOUS BARBS AT SOMEONE FOR BEING FAT??? JUST REMEMBER, SHE CAN LOSE WEIGHT, BUT UGGERRRRLY IS FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RomyS says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20108:12 am 

I think a woman can be beautiful, smart and talented (I've seen Precious and she is VERY talented) at any age, shape, color or size. Gabby made my best dressed list for this years Oscars. Please check it out here: http://outsidethelane.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-pic…

hill says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20108:23 am 

Personally I feel that we have more things in this world to concentate on and use our opinions on than Hollywood, look at all of the earthquakes, let help the homeless, and find jobs for all those who are really struggling. Shut Up

Fox says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20108:25 am 

People….Pa-Leees!!! Let's remember 1 thing about Hollywood. Regardless of how you look(… fill in the blank with the dish of the day's name!) If you cannot generate the GREEN they will toss your fat, skinny, young, old, straight, gay, black, white, red, yellow azz out on the street! …but I digress…

I saw "Precious" and sat there looking at that screen wondering what would be the reaction from (most likely those who haven't even SEEN the movie) closed minded people who are quick to judge. I knew then that it would be just as it is being played out now…(go back and read previous posts if you think i'm politically un-correct)The sheep took notice because there were black women portraying the stereotypical "black women's plight." (One we have been labelled with for far too long!) While Ms. Sidibe's performance was noteworthy, as she is a first timer and was able to transform the pages on to the big screen, I don't think she should have won the Oscar. To be honest I was pissed Monique won!I DO NOT take away the performance these two actresses gave to us, but this movie could have been about women across the spectrum! Lets imagine that "Precious" was a fat white girl from the trailer park with a fat white abusive mother sitting around kicking her azz, do ya think they or it would have been nominated then? Hell, I bet it wouldn'ta even been made…Sheep, uh, I mean people, get it together!

When you have talent, I mean REAL TALENT why should looks become the main topic of discussion? If you are willing to show some skin and depend on the visual to carry you through, you should expect your career to be short. Gabby never said her dream was to be an actress, she is a psychology major! This girl has more going on for her than sitting around waiting for Hollywood to call! NEWSFLASH!!!She KNOWS she's fat! And obviously it's okay with Hollywood because she has just wrapped up two new projects so THE JOKES ON YOU! I say get your education Gabby and view this movie gig as your p/t thing until that PhD. is obtained! Use the blessing of the most high to help other "Precious" women. ONE LOVE ya'll

Nancy says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20108:53 am 

I find it incredible that no-one has mentioned the obvious sexism, both in the remarks of people like Stern and in the comments here…

There are PLENTY of overweight, plain men in Hollywood who are working steadily…why is it that you think this can't also be the case for a woman?

ShannaP says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20109:11 am 

I think that Gabby played an outstanding role in Precious. I am a big girl and I would like to say that she should keep her head up because everything that is being said about her weight has nothing to do with her talent,I think that this is just the beginning of her career and I look forward to seeing more of her inthe near future.

HELEN says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20109:12 am 

This is for Howard Stern…Gabby can lose weight, but you can't lose ugly. Stop throwing stones…you are no beauty !!!!

Jo says:
Mon, 15th Mar 201010:01 am 

I hate Hollywood. It always has to be about how someone looks. That's what's wrong with these young girls today, they think they have to be a size 2 before they will be happy and before they can be loved or be successful.

We need to change how we view people and before we open our mouths and place judgement on someone. I don't know how Howard Stern can say anything about how anyone looks. He is one of the most disgusting men I have ever seen or heard before.

Congratulations to Gabby on a job well done and hope she has many more movies and much more success in her young life. BIG OR SMALL!!!!!

Theresa says:
Mon, 15th Mar 201011:15 am 

This is a dumb article. Why the heck are you rooting for Gabby and you haven't even seen the damn film! I haven't seen it and I knew that she didn't deserve that Oscar…I'm glad she didn't win it! She seems like a sweet-enough girl, but I think that her ego is starting to surface. She is often caught making some really dumb and off-color remarks. A little humility will go a long way for some one of Gabby's stature, no pun intended.

Theresa says:
Mon, 15th Mar 201011:20 am 

Gabby is morbidly obese…she needs to get it together and lose that weight.

She will die young if she is not careful!

zane says:
Mon, 15th Mar 201011:36 am 

Quite frankly, I am quite tired of hearing about the whole "Precious" debate. I don't know if Monique did a terrific job or not. The only thing I know about "Gabby" is that she's a big girl. I did not see the movie and there was a very good reason why I didn't.

I worked in the school system for 30 years. I've seen all kinds of "Gabbys". All races, all sizes and all circumstances. Abuse is not entertaining, hence why would I pay money to see it on the Big Screen? It's depressing, it's all too real. Awareness does not make it go away. It only serves to heighten emotions….and that's the moving force of many of the comments above.

Gay Gregson says:
Mon, 15th Mar 201012:12 pm 

I think someone with a personal relationship with this very talented and bubbly young woman should have a heart to heart talk with her about her weight issues, get her into cognitive behavioral therapy, and help her find an excellent bariatric doctor to perform gastric bypass surgery. She should be treated the same as we would treat someone with anorexia. Morbid obesity and anorexia are both deadly diseases. She needs help or it will not matter what Howard Stern, Oprah or anyone else says because she will not be here.

Ms says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20102:30 pm 

I think Gabby deserved to be nominated, but not to win. I find that people who don't know what she's like in her real life probably think she was just playing herself because they believe that most black women live and act like Precious. She really stepped outside of herself for this role.

As for weight, why does the sight of someone who doesn't subscribe to the standards of the media upset people so

much? People own their own bodies, don't they? Gabby's

weight has nothing whatsoever to do with me or anyone else.

Her health issues are her own business. I find it interesting

that we as Westerners don't get just as angry and self-righteous over the fact that women starve themselves for fashion, endangering their health, when there are people

around the world who are desperate for food. Any extreme is

dangerous. As for Mr. Stern, he is a canker sore who is obviously under some delusion that he's a handsome fellow.

Why do people still pay attention to this fool?

Wanda says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20103:58 pm 

First: Howard Stern is now and always will be an a**hole! That being said, I did not see Precious and therefore can not judge Miss Sidibe's performance. I can judge her looks and the health issues she will have if she doesn't lose weight. She has a cute face and a bubbly personality,but her body is much too huge to be healthy! If she doesn't lose weight now,she will be a prime candidate for heart problems,diabetes,knee problems,reproductive issues and so forth. If she is as talented as some people say,then it would be a shame to cut her career (and life) short by remaining this overweight.

Just for the record,extreme thinness is not attractive either and some of those women are just as unhealthy because they use methods like smoking and drugs to stay that thin.

laila says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20104:42 pm 

You people with the Meryl Streep shoulda won stuff need to shuutt upp! Meryl's old azz wins just about every year sheesh!I love Meryl too but damn how many awards can one lady possibly win.I'm starting to think Meryl Streep Beyonce' and other folks that win every damn thing are putting voodoo on the masses.Both of they old azzez need to retire.I'm jus sayin

Aja says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20105:09 pm 

I'm not here to comment on her weight, but can I actually comment on her acting for a second? Setting aside how any of the nominees look, Gabby was horrible in Precious. There was no acting ability displayed, so, yes, all this hype that she is getting is because people feel the need to protect her. This article is a prime example. You haven't seen the movie but you assume she's talented. I don't blame you because she has gotten a lot of buzz for Precious. I saw the movie myself to see what all the fuss was about and was disappointed to find that none of it had any substance. (Monique was GOOD, though.) I would feel worse for her situation, looking the way she does in an industry that demands cookie cutters for type casting roles, if she actually had talent. I haven't seen Julie&Julia so I can't speak to Meryl Streep's role although she is talented, but I can tell you that without a doubt between Gabby and Sandra Bullock, Sandra Bullock deserved the Oscar for her performance hands down, whether she was blue or purple or thin like everyone else in Hollywood.

liz says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20105:10 pm 

listen – i'm all for not criticizing people's appearances, the way people look, etc. but being this overweight…this girl is VERY unhealthy and obese…for her acting, or her willingness to play a very dark, serious role, she could be a role model. but she cannot be considered a role model when she is that size. NO ONE is saying she has to be stick thin, or anorexic, because that would be even worse.

honestly, i dont care whether people choose to be fat or thin…but people who do nothing but eat unhealthy crap all day become overweight, and there is no other way around it. if you are 300+ pounds and this young, you are begging for a heart attack.

liz says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20105:16 pm 

blaming mcdonalds and fast food for obesity is ridiculous. that's like willingly jumping in front of a moving train and getting mad at them for running you over

nerdygirlatw says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20105:47 pm 

When I look at Gabourey I see an extremely talented, pretty, african american actress who is obese.

I have to say that what I am most horrified about the media's lack of ability to address is the dangers this has as Gabourey becomes a role model. It is not about being stick-thin but it is about promoting healthy self-images, especially for young women who struggle with their weight across the country. As of right now, ignoring this fact is unhealthy in and of itself.

http://www.nerdygirlatw.com

Casey says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20107:10 pm 

A lot of you are saying that it's wrong of people to talk about her weight and appearance and that it's none of our business, but it IS our business. This girl is UNHEALTHY! no one in these comments said they didn't think she deserved the award, or they didn't like her because she wasn't skinny. Gabbys SIZE is NOT the issue! her HEALTH is the issue! I don't care if she's fat, people can be fat, but to be THAT BIG is simply unhealthy, and we should not be promoting unhealthy people, big or small.

No one in these comments put her down because of her size, or "publicly humiliated her", I saw more general CONCERN for this girl rather than scorn. It's not about the weight, it's about the health.

And to the girl saying she feels sorry for our overweight relatives, my mom is obese, she has diabetes and TONS of health problems. How DARE you say I probably put her down! I am EXTREMELY concerned about my mothers health! If she doesn't make some serious health changes she will likely be dead within 5 years as she's already in and out of the hospital quite a bit, and she's no where near Gabbys size. Obesity is a major issue, and it's sad, and it's something that SHOULD be fought against!

Just because we're bringing up the issue of her weight doesn't mean we're putting her down, it means we're concerned. All of you saying "her weight shouldn't matter" SHAME ON YOU! You are helping no one!

fender says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20108:12 pm 

Defend her all you want.She still needs to lose weight.DAMN!!!!!!

Catherine says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20108:15 pm 

This young lady has a very down-to-earth, good, sharp attitude; this is no greenhorn. She has acting chops and one of the most unique and "old soul" personalities I have seen in a long, long time. Keep it up, girl — I've got your back, too. )

ashley says:
Mon, 15th Mar 20108:25 pm 

honestly. what are you talking about? you haven't even seen the movie!!! how in the world can you talk about her acting talents when you haven't even seen them? clips? the trailer? i hope those aren't your sources.

i didn't think gabourey deserved the nod at all. monique was amazing and really moved me, but the lead was… lacking.

about the weight. it IS a problem. embracing yourself is great, but she is obese. it's a goddamn epidemic in america! she should lose the weight not because of hollywood, but for herself and her own health. monique is not a skinny girl, but at least she's not so big.

TOM says:
Mon, 15th Mar 201011:29 pm 

How do you know she's so talented if you have never seen her act?

You are an idiot.

Corrine says:
Tue, 16th Mar 201012:09 am 

I believe Gabourey said it best, “when I get up in the morning, the only opinion matters is mine.” Nuff said.

eve says:
Tue, 16th Mar 20101:33 am 

The movie was excellent! As a 1st timer Gabby did great. I also think her weight should be left out of any conversation as she has said she is very happy where she is at. In my opinion she should have won best actress Sandra Bullock in the bilnd side was just another performance nothing new I truly did not like her acting all like it at all. Not a sandra bullock fan

pbrown says:
Tue, 16th Mar 20104:44 am 

I have read many of your comments. But here is the bottom the line. I did see Precious and everyone casted in that Movie was excellent, especially Monique and Gabby. However, here are the bigger questions/issues that we need to address and we( Hollywood, White Amreica and Black America have not even begun to honestly discuss this and began a constructive dialogue where people are dealing with the issues and for once being honest and open:
1. Why does a black woman when she is nominated for an award such as an Oscar HAS ONLY been nominitated and won by playing the following roles: 1939 – Hattie McDonald for Gone with the Wind playing a maid, 1990-Whoopie Goldberg as comedic pysch for Ghost, Halle Berry-Monster’s Ball( another Lee Daniel Movie) playing a poor blakc women trying to find her way with sex scenes that were damn near pornographic, Jennifer Hudson-for Dream Girls( her role atonishisly was they type of role we have seen many other white actresses play) and finally Monique for Precious playing an evil,sad, nasty no good ghetto mother.

Now when you look at the white women that have been nominated and won an oscar, such as a Meryl Streep( which is one of my favovrite actress among many), Gwneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Jodi Foster, Reese Witherspoon who are all great actress and the list could go on and on. Take a look at the roles they and many others have done and won: playing a real person in our history, love story, period pieces( many of which I as an African American Woman and my ancestors were enslaved during that time and/or we were still being denied our god given rights under Jim Crow), a woman who triumpants over tremendous obstacles, etc. However, we have never seen a white actress that has been nominiated and/or won an oscar every portray characters such as Monique, Halle, Gabby and/or Hattie McDaniel had to play to win their oscars. Hattie McDanile, who by the way in 1939 when she was awarded still had to go through the back door of several restuarnts that night as she and fellow actors were celebrating her win among others because she was black and Jim Crow was alive and kicking)

We in this country and never really addressed this issue with any reall substantive conversation. You have some talented actress that easliy in my opinion are in the league of a Meryl Streep, but they have not been given the opportunity( and go figure we are in 2010, with a Black President and Hollywood being the more liberal industry) to be offered the kind of roles on consistent basis that many white actresses are offered on a yearly basis. I speaking about Angela Bassett, Cecily Tyson, Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Diann Carroll, S. Epatha Merkson ( in case you do not now she is the black female Lt. on Law and Order has been there for over 10 years),Taraji P Henson, Jennifer Hudson, Nia Long, Regina King and Thandie Newton just to name a few.

Hower Black male actors have fared much better in Holloywood such as Denzel, Morgan, Samual Jackson, Don Cheadle. They consistently work year after year and the roles they play cover the spectrum.

Now on To Gabby:
1. She was great in Precious
2. She has only done one movie, so i was not of the opinion that Oprah and/or anyone else should have placed her in the category of Meryl Streep. Does she have the talent to get there – possibly and time will tell us that. However, that is soley dependent on who cast her and in what roles and how often will she be working.
3. She has a great and positive personality which I lhave lot of respect for as a woman who in my early years was over-weight( however not as big as she is), BUT she is too big. She needs to loose weight and those around do not need to allow her to belive that her weight is not an issue. Health wise, as many of you have stated in previous comments, if she does take a serious look at her weight and do something about it runs the high risk of suffering from many phsyical aliments.
4. Sadly, here is the otehr reality. Yes Hollywood maybe one of your most liberal industrys and it has been for over 50 years, but were are still in a country where race and color play a role. No one ever needs to think or believe that because we finally elected an African-American President that all is well in America, racism is gone and we are all going to live as God Childrens in perferct harmony. This what the other part of America sees a very dark dark, extremely over-weight girl, with one movie role to her credit. Many other black actresses, with proven, sustanabile talent some who are downright gorgeous to others who are average in looks( none over-weight to the degree Gabby is) and they are STRUGGLING to make it in Hollywood. They may do one movie a year and that is being gracious. So if they are having a hard time, how in the hell do you think Gabby is going to rise up and surpase them. Black actress have to beg hollywood to see them and then put them in roles that would generally go to white actress( such as Zoa Saladano in Avator, which by the way she was excellent). Are they have to find the funding write or work with someone to right a great script, make the movie and find distribution. As of todate, no black acctress has been succuessful in that arena. So, who do you think is going to write a role for Gabby. Now please know I am by no means saying that this is right. But those close to Gabby need to be honest with her and tell her that she has got to loose that weight, that she was great in her first prime-time movie, but until she gets that weight really really under control she will be limiting the roles that are available to her. I know she has been offered 2 additional roles for other things and I think both are on TV. But what happens when the show is either cancelled, makes it’s final run and/or they find she is not a good fit with the cast. You will then have many going back to say she was a “one hit wonder.”

In closing, when you look at Hollywood how many extremely overweight actresses do you know consistently get great roles either in movies or on TV and race is not an issue? If anyone can answer that….then maybe Gabby has a chance….i am not so convinced.

tmo says:
Thu, 25th Mar 20108:07 am 

She should be the poster child for our nation's obesity epidemic. This isn't about "accepting" someone for who they are this is about a person who is very ill and doesn't seem to realize it or is in denial. For the sake of all our morbidly obese children who are seeing her made in to a star I hope she takes some responsibility and adopts a healthy lifestyle . Until then she deserves any criticism she gets. Fundamentally obesity as extreme as hers is a behavioral issue. Like drug abuse. Do we say " Oh just accept Lindsey for who she is … she likes to do a ton of drugs and have fun … good for her!" No , we say she is a horrible role model for our children and that she needs to go to rehab. There is no difference …. just substitute the coke and pills for a big mac and fries.

Phantz says:
Thu, 25th Mar 201010:28 pm 

Blacks make up 12% of the population – they aren't going to fill the cinema screens or the nominations list for that reason, not their skin colour.

The whole 'Thankyou Hattie McDaniel' thing is getting really old.

And here's why.

Morgan Freeman, Monique, Gabourey Sidibe, Lee Daniels, Taraji Henson, Viola Davis, Ruby Dee, Forest Whittaker, Will Smith, Eddie Murphy, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Hudson, Terrence Howard, Jamie Foxx, Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo….

And that's just the last 5 years.

So now we know that skin colour is not an issue, let's have a quick look at obesity.

Plenty of overweight actors and actresses with minor careers in Hollywood. Kathy Bates is obvious but obese?

It's simply not going to happen for Sidibe unless she loses some serious weight so she can be versatile enough to fit into various roles. Nothing to do with prejudice – everything to do with the craft of acting.

brandi says:
Wed, 31st Mar 201011:23 pm 

some of you are ignorant. you're all concerned, were you concerned for ruben studdard or john goodman or peter jackson? no. are you concerned about the health of the drug abusers, alcoholics or the violent actors in hollywood? no.

Casey says:
Thu, 1st Apr 20106:30 am 

Brandi, you're the ignorant one. Who are you to say what someone is or isn't concerned about? If people are concerned about gabbys weight then chances are they are concerned about anyone who is that overweight. Were only discussing one person in this post and that's gabby, so don't accuse people of things you have no way of knowing about.

You know what they say about ASSumptions.

Laura says:
Sat, 17th Apr 20104:42 am 

She's a great actress, and she has the power to be a role model to many young girls out there. But how can she be a good role model if she drops dead from a heart attack before she turns 25? She's not overweight, she's obese. It's disgusting, and it's unhealthy.

niggersow says:
Sun, 1st Aug 20105:30 pm 

This is disgusting, but it is representative of a large portion of the Sow Population in the USA.

GreasyLips says:
Mon, 2nd Aug 20106:37 pm 

of course it's because she's grossly overweight.

there are thousands of undiscovered talents out, so what makes her stand out is her freakish appearance.

yes, i said freakish.

it's the white elephant in the room. it's a morbid fascination with her folds of fat. How does someone LIVE like that? we think to ourselves. how long will she live? what the HELL does she eat?

and really, if you're gonna salivate over someone, can't you at least go see their damn movie so your claims of her supreme acting skills are even marginally credible??