LEE DANIELS for "PRECIOUS"

Lee Daniels received an Oscar nomination for best director for his role in the film "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire." Set in Harlem in 1987, an illiterate, sexually abused girl tries to salvage her life.

"After 82 years, it's the first film nominated for best picture directed by an African-American. Isn't that great? It's so exciting. How can you lose? You can't lose!" — Lee Daniels

"Precious" received Oscar nominations for best picture, best director, best adapted screenplay and film editing. Gabourey Sidibe received an Oscar nomination for best actress and Mo'Nique got an Oscar nod for best supporting actress.