Harlem-set drama Precious has won the audience award at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The coming-of-age film, about an overweight teen who falls pregnant for the second time, beat Bruce Beresford's runner-up Mao's Last Dancer and Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Micmacs in a vote for the People's Choice award.
"The audience award holds such an important meaning," said director Lee Daniels. "I made this film for every person out there who ever looked in the mirror and felt unsure about the person looking back."
Toronto is often seen as an early indicator for the Oscars, with past festival winners Slumdog Millionaire and American Beauty going on to win Best Picture Academy Awards.
Precious, based on Sapphire's novel Push, stars Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique and Mariah Carey. Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry are producers on the film.
> Precious director talks about Carey
Movies Editor
Simon has worked as a journalist for more than a decade, writing on staff and freelance for Hearst, Dennis, Future and Autovia titles before joining Cision in 2022.
