On a gloomy Friday in Cannes — where a torrential downpour aggravated and frustrated the hurried journalists dashing to the 8:30 a.m. press screening of Jane Campion's Bright Star — the stars of Lee Daniel's Sundance winner Precious hit the Plage VitaminWater on the Croisette for a luncheon and press conference. It was revealing in more ways than one.
Thankfully, the rain let up just in time to enjoy trout with mashed potatoes and asparagus. In attendance were (L-R) Lenny Kravitz, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey (who perhaps loves her breasts more than just about anything else in the world; see below), director Daniels (looking very Sideshow Bob-like), breakthrough star Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe, and screenwriter Damien Paul. A few quotable moments:
Lee Daniels:
"This book stayed with me. But Sapphire [the author] would not give me the rights."
"We prayed before each scene."
"When I heard I was accepted to show at Cannes I stayed in bed for four days."
"I told Mo'Nique she would win an Oscar. She said, 'My Oscar is making you happy. And keeping M&Ms on the set.'"
Mariah Carey:
"The book changed my life."
"There's a creative side in me that needs to do this kind of work."
Lenny Kravitz:
"Lee wanted to make me disappear [in my character], saying, 'You can't walk like that. You can't talk like that.' People didn't even know it was me in the film."
"I'm normally in control. It was great to give it up."