New York, October 3, 2009 – Sundance favorite Precious has been making the film festival rounds, and perhaps there was some extra emotion at this week’s New York Film Festival screening – the story is set in New York City, which is hometown to director Lee Daniels and breakout star Gabourey Sidibe.  Many of the actors that Daniels cast, including Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz and Sherri Shepherd, call NYC home, too. 

Daniels told us that all the acclaim hasn’t sunk in.  “I still keep thinking that somebody’s going to wake me up and tell me that it’s not for real.  I think they’re going to wake me up and say it’s going to video.  Like, that’s been my luck,” the director said.

Boldface New Yorkers like Robert De Niro, Mary J. Blige, Harvey Keitel, Steve Buscemi and Jane Fonda came out to get a first look at Precious, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. 

After the screening, everybody headed over to the Oak Room for a 42 Below-sponsored party.  Mariah sat happily with hubby Nick Cannon, and we spotted Queen Latifah late in the evening. 

Photos: Joy E. Scheller