Mo’Nique Boldly Declares that She Was “Blackballed” After Oscar Win

Mo’Nique won a best supporting actress Oscar back in 2010 for her memorable work in Lee Daniels’ affecting film, Precious.  It was a major victory that gave the actress and former talk show host the confidence to finally navigate an industry that adheres to stringent rules and regulations that limit talents of color indefinitely.

Somehow the actress and former talk show host hit the lottery and the expectations were high after she walked off with her golden man. The forecast seemed bright and sunny and there was no doubt that Mo’Nique would continue her career trajectory without any clouds in the sky.

But unfortunately real life can be a reminder that Hollywood endings are rarely ever manifested the way we are used to seeing on the big screen. Mo’Nique evaporated from the scene after she garnered the big prize and through all the speculations regarding her epic decent into oblivion, she has retained her dignity and pride through a period that tested her ability to thrive under the intense pressure that comes with being an Oscar-winner who not only still has to beg for work but is being rejected for the parts that she earned.

Mo’Nique spoke to The Hollywood Reporter recently about the unforeseen challenges that have crippled her path to the top. Her claims that the formidable Oprah Winfrey took the roles that she was destined for because of her reluctance to be a team player sheds light on the possibility that perhaps she was truly “blackballed” which was as assessment handed out by her confidant, Lee Daniels who reached out to give her the absolute truth. “Mo’Nique, you’ve been blackballed”. And when he was pressed for an explanation, Daniels simply answered, “Because you didn’t play the game”.

Mo’’Nique was forced to recall the fact that she was offered a bountiful of parts but none of them ever panned out. Oprah snatched her role in The Butler and she obviously never got the chance to shine in Fox’s latest juggernaut, Empire – even though she was offered a part.

She maintains that her hardcore disposition probably worked against her in the long run and instituted a reputation that made it hard for her to get hired. Either way, she is content with the choices she made even though they may have literally cost her more than she anticipated. When you wreck your ties with Hollywood you can pretty much assume that your ride will come to an abrupt end.

She refused to adhere to the rules and resorted to her own brand of advertisement during campaign season for Precious – and just like that – her worth was rapidly diminished.

It is a fascinating lesson on how Tinseltown can leave you in the dust with no embedded tracks to help trace your steps to recovery.

For more on Mo’Nique’s reflections – click here.