Mo’Nique Finally Gets into the “Precious” Swing

Well, well. At last: Mo’Nique.

The BET talk show host, comedienne and erstwhile star of “Precious” finally turned up for publicity this past weekend.

Mo’Nique joined the rest of the “Precious” gang ‘ Mariah, Lee Daniels, Gabby Sidibe, Paula Patton ‘‘at the AFI screening of the Oscar buzzed movie. She also participated in a press conference for the Hollywood Foreign Press, and met members of all the different Guilds ‘ i.e. Academy voters.

This publicity lap comes just a few days before “Precious” actually opens, and after 10 months of doing very little for the movie. It’s unknown how much Lions Gate paid Mo’Nique to do her press, or whether exec producers Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey finally brought some pressure to bear on her.

Either way, it’s nice to see Mo’Nique finally getting with the program. Now all the “Precious” folks have to do is make sure no Academy voters see “The Mo’Nique Show” on BET. I’m torn between praising it for its originality and freshness, or panning it for being absolutely dreadful. Mo’Nique is not much of an interviewer. The show itself is kind of a rambunctious party, with a lot of shouting, squealing and exultations from another planet. The guests are also a hoot.’ But there is nothing like hearing Mo’Nique exclaim to each one: “You lookin’ fine, honey!”

The talk show hostess is guaranteed Oscar, Golden Globe, and other nominations. She will be up against a tough crowd in the Supporting category perhaps including Penelope Cruz, Patricia Clarkson, Julianne Moore, Marion Cotillard, and maybe a couple of surprises too.