Drawing Inspiration from Good Actress Mo'Nique

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Drawing Inspiration from Good Actress Mo'Nique

When Mo'Nique won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar on Sunday, there were a lot of excited fans. But some of the most excited came from her native Baltimore.

Rachel Hilson, a singer, dancer, and actress at the Baltimore School of the Arts was particularly inspired by Mo'Nique's win for portraying an abusive mother in "Precious."

"I think that Mo'Nique is such an inspiration, regardless of where she is from. However, being from Baltimore, which is not the easiest city to live in, she is even more of an inspiration." Hilson said.

She also explained that watching Mo'Nique helped to "clarify my desire to become an actress." Next, Hilson will compete in the NAACP's ACT-SO competition. It sounds like she's pretty clear.

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Mo'Nique Considered Good Actress by Critics

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Mo'Nique Considered Good Actress by Critics

Ever since her win at Sundance last year, Mo'Nique has been considered a top contender for best supporting actress awards for her performance in "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire."

So far, she has won 17 awards and a number of nominations for her portrayal of the abusive mother of an obese illiterate girl in the movie.

In addition to winning at a number of film festivals, she's also received nominations for SAG, Critics Choice, Golden Globe, and Spirit awards.

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Mariah Carey Named Good Actress

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Mariah Carey Named Good Actress

Mariah Carey received the Supporting Actress of the Year award at 14th Annual Capri Hollywood International Film Festival in Italy on Monday.

Carey received the award for her very unglamorous performance in "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' By Sapphire."

In that movie, Carey plays a social worker opposite newcomer Gabourey Sidibe. Mo'Nique also stars in the movie. All three actresses have received a lot of acclaim for their work in the movie.

The entire cast has also been nominated for a Screen Actors' Guild award for Best Ensemble.

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Predicting Oscar's Good Actress

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Predicting Oscar's Good Actress

Oscar Nominations will be announced on Tuesday, February 2. Gossipvita.com has joined in on predicting whose name will be called that morning.

The predictions include Meryl Streep for "Julie & Julia," Carey Mulligan for "An Education," and Hilary Swank in "Amelia."

Also predicted are Gabourey Sidibe in "Precious" and Marion Cotillard for her performance in the musical "Nine."

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Gabourey Sidibe is a Good Actress

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Gabourey Sidibe is a Good Actress

Gabourey Sidibe is the breakout star of the movie "Precious: Based on the Novel by Sapphire," which was a hit at film festivals and opened in limited release in the US November 6.

She nearly didn't audition. "I didn't decide to go to the audition. I just ended up on that side of the street."

Director Lee Daniels nearly didn't cast her, either. At first he had been looking for actresses who were just like the character in the movie.

Precious is an illiterate high schooler who's been abused by both her parents.

"I realized I needed someone to act that, not be that," Daniels said. "I knew she was the girl. She brought a sense of confidence and smarts (to the role). She got it."

Costar Paula Patton was equally enthusiastic. "I was blown away by her performance. I think actors can work their whole lives and not turn out a performance like she has done."

Gina Wilhelm Actress