MC gets an ovation

A standing ovation greeted Lee Daniels' Push: Based on the novel by Sapphire.

A standing ovation greeted Lee Daniels' "Push: Based on the novel by Sapphire".

Buoyed by positive reaction after a test screening in Harlem earlier this week, Lee Daniels seemed anxiously optimistic while chatting casually with indieWIRE prior to the screening.

After the showing, he was showered by well-wishers, some of whom posed for photos with Mo'Nique and Mariah Carey.

Daniels also cast Lenny Kravitz in a key role.

"If you are gonna tell a bold story, go all the way, be bold," Daniels said.

The high light of the film is supposed to be Mariah's no make up performance where she wowed critics and fans with her stellar acting!