Sidibe: 'a lot of nerve'

Precious, the harrowing tale of an incest survivor's struggle for self-acceptance, swept the Spirit Awards early yesterday, taking home five prizes at the independent film world's version of the Oscars.

The film's haul included best feature, director and first screenplay. Its actors, newcomer Gabourey Sidibe and comedienne Mo'Nique, took home the honours for female lead and supporting female, respectively.

For Mo'Nique, who played an abusive mother, it represented yet another statuette for her groaning shelf this awards season. The only event left is the Academy Awards tonight.

But the 42-year-old actress told reporters backstage that she was not preparing an Oscar acceptance speech, because "I think the universe would say, 'You have a lot of nerve'."