An Oscar Win That Actually Damaged A Career? Mo’Nique Claims She Was “Blackballed” In Hollywood
Mo’Nique’s wonderful performance in the 2009 film Precious won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. It was one of the many highlights of her acting career; however, the 47-year-old actress claims it didn’t help her career like so many people may think.
In a new and revealing interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Mo’Nique claims director Lee Daniels recently informed her that she’s been blackballed. Adding that she “didn’t play the game” and her refusal to campaign during awards season didn’t sit well with some people.
The actress also claims she lost out on a number of great roles after her Oscar win.
“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.”You can read her full interview by clicking that link above. During the interview, she mentions that the reporter should ask Lee Daniels what he meant by his “blackballed” comment.
They did ask him, and you can read his reply below…
“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.”Hm, interesting. She seems like a nice lady, and we obviously know she is a talented actress. But if I am being completely honest, she did seem a little arrogant in the interview. Although, it’s almost impossible to not sound conceited when you are being asked to talk about yourself for an hour.
