'Precious' wins top prize at Toronto Film Festival

Lee Daniels' drama "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" took home the People's Choice Award Saturday at the Toronto Film Festival. The film stars Gabourey 'Gabby' Sidibe and Paula Patton.

Set in Harlem in 1987, it is the story of Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want.

Pregnant for the second time and threatened with expulsion from school, Precious is offered the chance to transfer to an alternative school, Each One/Teach One. 

In the literacy workshop taught by the patient yet firm Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), Precious begins a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain and powerlessness to light, love and self-determination.

"Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" also won the Audience Award, Grand Jury Prize and Special Jury Prize in the dramatic category at the Sundance Film Festival.

For more Toronto awards, go here.