Winning the Oscar is always a turning point in most people’s careers – take Lupita Nyong’o for example, who has glitched several movie roles and endorsements since she became the Oscar hit girl for her role in 12 years a slave. Ironically, Mo’Nique, however did not get the career turning point she had naturally expected after winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 2010’s “Precious,” and claims her offers actually diminished afterwards.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the 47-year-old actress claims director Lee Daniels recently mentioned that she’s been “blackballed.” According to Mo’Nique, Daniels told her that she “didn’t play the game,” although he did not clarify what exactly that statement meant, but it is possible that it may have something to do with her refusing to campaign during awards season, and her controversial acceptance speech.
Mo’Nique also mentioned that she lost out on big roles without any justifiable explanation:
‘I was offered the role in ‘The Butler’ that Oprah Winfrey played. I was also approached by “Empire” to be on “Empire.” And I was also offered the role as Richard Pryor’s grandmother in [Daniels’ upcoming Pryor biopic]. Each of those things that he offered me was taken off the table. [Laughs] They all just went away. But that’s just part of the business, you know? I can’t be upset at anybody, ’cause life is too good. It’s just what it is.’
In response to Mo’Nique’s statement, Daniels also released a statement to The Hollywood Reporter:
‘Mo’Nique is a creative force to be reckoned with. Her demands through “Precious” were not always in line with the campaign. This soured her relationship with the Hollywood community. I consider her a friend. I have and will always think of her for parts that we can collaborate on, however the consensus among the creative teams and powers thus far were to go another way with these roles.’
Photo Credit: Matt Petit
