Which 2009 film was based on the novel 'Push' by Sapphire?

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The 2009 film based on Sapphire's novel Push was Precious.

Its full original title was Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire. Directed and co-produced by Lee Daniels, the film stars Gabourey Sidibe as Claireece “Precious” Jones, a teenager facing poverty, abuse, and limited educational opportunities in Harlem. Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, and Lenny Kravitz appear in supporting roles.

The film premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival under the title Push: Based on the Novel by Sapphire. Its name was changed before release to avoid confusion with another 2009 film titled Push. Precious won Sundance's Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award for drama, then received a theatrical release through Lionsgate.

Precious earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress. Mo'Nique won Best Supporting Actress, while screenwriter Geoffrey S. Fletcher became the first African-American winner of the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. The other choices are unrelated 2009 films.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Aug. 2026

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