Mo'Nique responds (kind of) to criticism at the Critics' Choice Awards
Moments after she won best supporting actress at the Critics' Choice Awards, I asked Mo'Nique back in the press room to respond to criticism about her failing to show up at the Toronto Film Festival, New York Film Festival and New York Film Critics Awards to support "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire." Instead of answering the question, she deferred to her husband, who is also her manager, to respond on her behalf. He gave me the blah-blah-blah answer about her being a busy mom and talk-show host, then asked me if he'd answered the question.
I was tempted to say "No," and pursue the point further. In the case of the New York Film Festival, for example, Mo'Nique had promised to attend, then suddenly backed out. When she said she couldn't attend the New York Film Critics Circle Awards, her "Precious" director Lee Daniels promised to accept on her behalf, but then he backed out. (Read more about the controversy here and here.) Presentation of the trophy was handled clumsily during the ceremony. But I decided not to follow up and mention all this to Mo'Nique's husband at the Critics' Choice Awards, didn't want to sour her victory. Enough is enough.
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Well Tom, I'm feeling pretty ashamed of you right now. Monique has made it and we, as black people for the most part, are extremely proud of her. I wonder how many of these personal attacks you have made against Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie. I just wonder.
Posted by: TamTAm | January 21, 2010 at 08:14 AM
NONE OF YALL KNOW MO'NIQUE. NONE OF YALL CAN MAKE JUDGEMENTS ON WHY SHE DID NOT SHOW UP TO AN EVENT NOR CAN ANY OF YALL MAKE JUDGEMENTS ON HOW GRATEFUL SHE IS FOR ALL THE RECOGNITION SHE HAS RECEIVED. I FEEL SORRY FOR CELEBRITIES BECAUSE PEOPLE LIKE TO JUDGE THEM WITH OUT KNOWING FACT OR DETAILS. YOU DONT KNOW WHAT SHE HAS GOING ON IN HER LIFE OR WHAT HER SCHEDULE IS LIKE. YALL SAYING YALL READ THIS READ THAT ABOUT HER...ITS THE MEDIA YOU HONESTLY BELIEVE EVERYTHING THE MEDIA PRINTS? IF SO THATS SAD.
Posted by: Ramone Fluellen | January 17, 2010 at 09:00 AM
Honestly Tom, who cares. The NY awards hardly matter anyhow.
Posted by: Terry Terry | January 16, 2010 at 08:43 PM
I read she won't show up anywhere unless she's paid 100K, and her rider of what she requires in a dressing room is far more extensive than the queen of england. Why can't people be thankful for the gifts they have? Especially in the light of the Haitian situation. Every article I've read about her paints her to be very, very materialistic. Such a shame.
Posted by: Inga | January 16, 2010 at 04:57 PM
Come on already! You don't have any kids and don't understand that they do have priority over any award show or film circuit. She'll win the award not matter what, this backlash is unnecessary and causing you and a few other bloggers some heart ache.
Posted by: Gregg | January 16, 2010 at 11:08 AM
"her "Precious" director Lee Daniels promised to accept on her behalf, but then he backed out. "
Maybe do a bit of research, Tom, before you run with things. This was not what happened. The NYFCC, and specifically Armond White, were to blame for Daniels not being ALLOWED to accept the award.
Posted by: LarryGopnik | January 16, 2010 at 10:53 AM
That there is a "season" and "campaign" for the Oscar, means it's not worth much in terms of quality or prestige.
Posted by: hawk | January 16, 2010 at 10:15 AM
You speak as if award ceremonies were really important. There are literally dozens of award ceremonies for the film industry. Should she have to go to all of them? Does she get to choose what publications or TV shows she gives interviews to, or should she do all of those too? How about future movie roles? Does she owe it to someone to take every role she's offered, or would she be considered a capricious diva if she was more selective?
What does it matter if she shows up at one award ceremony and not at another for whatever reason? It's her life and her schedule.
Find something better to write about.
Posted by: HahahaComedy | January 16, 2010 at 08:11 AM
I'm sure the Mo'Nique was embarrased when the NYFCC had the nerve to email you back with their rude comments about her. I think you are taking this WAY too far.
Posted by: Jilda | January 16, 2010 at 06:14 AM
If Mo'Nique doesn't win because she didn't attend a few small critics award, it will be a travesty. She's proving once and for all that the Oscars should be about performance and not about campaigning. Go Mo!
Posted by: A. | January 16, 2010 at 05:53 AM
girls gotta eat
Posted by: steve | January 16, 2010 at 04:14 AM
Give me a break. Just let her enjoy the victory. Why cant she be a busy mom and a working one at that ? Just enjoy her work on the screen. She is not asking you to be her friend in real life.
Posted by: La Verdad | January 15, 2010 at 11:44 PM
Like Mo'Nique- don't care for her "business partner". Who does he think he is with the sunglasses and smug remarks? It makes HER campaign come off pompous, and I hate how he brought up her race. WHY can't her performance just be praised for being a performance. This should not be about race. Will this ever end in Hollywood?
Posted by: Jason Travis | January 15, 2010 at 10:35 PM