Lee Daniels News

'Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire' won the top award at the Toronto International Film Festival today, Saturday, September 19th. 'Precious' captured the festival's People's Choice award, which is voted on by filmgoers. Last year it went to 2009 Best Picture Oscar winner 'Slumdog Millionaire.'

Erica Watson - 'big, bold and beautiful' actor, comedian, director and commentator for the Oxygen Network and BET - returns to her hometown Chicago with the solo show 'Fat Bitch!' This five-night only run is a funny yet thought-provoking look at how society's obsession with weight, race and class have formed the way the world views her shape, and includes her interactions with men, from the boardroom to the bedroom.

The 47th Annual New York Film Festival returns to the fully renovated Alice Tully Hall September 25 through October 11, 2009.

The Independent Film 2009 Spirit Awards were given out last night Saturday, February 21 in Los Angeles and The Wrestler was a big winner, nabbing Best Film and Best Actor for star Mickey Rourke. Other acting awards went to Melissa Leo for Best Actress for Frozen River, James Franco won best supporting actor for Milk, while Penelope Cruz snagged a best supporting win for Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Woody Allen earned a Best Screenplay award for the film as well.

Sundance Institute announced today the lineup of films selected to screen in the U.S. and World Cinema Dramatic and Documentary Competitions for the 25th Sundance Film Festival. In addition to the four Competition categories, the Festival presents films in five out-of-competition sections to be announced tomorrow. The 2009 Sundance Film Festival runs January 15-25 in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Sundance, Utah.

Sundance Institute announced today the lineup of films selected to screen in the U.S. and World Cinema Dramatic and Documentary Competitions for the 25th Sundance Film Festival. In addition to the four Competition categories, the Festival presents films in five out-of-competition sections to be announced tomorrow. The 2009 Sundance Film Festival runs January 15-25 in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Sundance, Utah.

Bette Midler, the winner of numerous Grammys, a Special Tony Award and the recipient of two Oscar nominations, held her annual Hulaween Gala on October 31st at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel