The TV Guide Network will premiere an exclusive special on six-time Oscar nominated film 'Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire' on Feb. 20.

The one-hour TV Guide Network special, called 'Precious: The Story Behind the Movie,' will be hosted by TV personality Tanika Ray and will feature never-before-seen film footage, interviews with Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels and Best Lead Actress nominee Gabourey Sidibe, and reactions from moviegoers who have watched the film.

Ray, a former host on the news magazine show 'Extra,' said that having covered the Academy Awards ceremony for years, its always great when a film like 'Precious' diversifies the coveted award show.

"As a black woman who is an avid film fan, it's always exciting to see African-American characters driving story lines and receiving critical acclaim. In the example of 'Precious,' Lee Daniels delivers this beautifully directed piece of art that doesn't sensationalize the reality of the story but presents the raw dirty and sometimes gut-wrenching facts in a manner that opens up the spirit to allow healing and self evolution," Ray told BV Buzz.

Ray shared she's glad the TV Guide Network decided to showcase 'Precious' in a one-hour Oscar special, because oftentimes African-American films are overlooked by mainstream media outlets even when they do receive accolades like Oscar nominations.

"There is a lack of diversity in Hollywood. Just look at the cover of Vanity Fair this month celebrating the fresh hot new talent of Hollywood. There isn't a trace of melanin on the entire three-page fold-out cover. It's insulting in 2010, which makes shows like the TV Guide Network special even more important to help break down that wall of exclusion and film segregation. Initially there was a chance that only African-American audiences would see 'Precious.' But with a storyline that crosses all racial boundaries, 'Precious' broke through and I'm thrilled to be a part of a special that pays respect to its achievement," she expressed.

The Washington, DC-born talent hopes that receiving multiple Oscar nods for 'Precious' is just the beginning of greater works for producer/director Daniels. Ray revealed she has been a huge fan of his prior to 'Precious.'

"I am beaming with pride and am so excited for his success to reach even greater heights. I've been saying for years that he was the most underrated director on the scene. Thank Goodness the cream always rises to the top," she offered.

In addition to hosting TV Guide Network's 'Precious: The Story Behind the Movie,' Ray will also be working for the TV Guide Network on Oscar night, Sunday March 7.

"I will actually be a part of the team covering the Oscars this year for TV Guide Network. They are a great bunch to work with and I'm honored to get out on the red carpet to celebrate this extraordinary year in film," she said.

For additional details on 'Precious: The Story Behind the Movie' or on TV Guide Network's Oscar night coverage, go to www.tvguide.com/Channel.

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