Mo'Nique won Precious its second Spirit Award. The Best Supporting Actress winner was present to receive her award at a ceremony being held in downtown Los Angeles. Previously known for her comedy work, Mo'Nique's highly dramatic turn as an abusive mother has made her the odds-on favorite to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress on Sunday evening.
"Gabby, you are truly a special gift to the universe, baby," Mo'Nique said upon accepting her trophy. "For people to get to know you and be in your presence, they are all honored." Best Actress Spirit Award nominee Gabourey Sidibe is also up for this year's Best Actress Academy Award.
Roger Deakins took home the Best Cinematography Award for his work on Joel and Ethan Coen's A Serious Man. Deakins is not in the running for the Best Cinematography Oscar this year, though he's been nominated eight times in the past. The last time was last year, when he and Chris Menges shared an Oscar nomination for Stephen Daldry's The Reader.
Host Eddie Izzard opened the proceedings by saying, "Before we start, Id like to announce there is no God. So 'God Bless America' just means have a good time."
Photo: Precious (Anne Marie Fox / Lionsgate)