OPRAH PLUGS 'PRECIOUS' IN TORONTO: Talk show host appears with cast at annual film festival before screening.

       The power duo signed on as executive producers after seeing the film earlier in the year and being moved by its content. The story follows an illiterate black girl who manages to rise above poverty, sexual and mental abuse.       

       Perry and Winfrey felt their involvement might bring more attention to the independent project, which opens Nov. 6 and stars Mo'Nique, Mariah Carey, Paula Patton and others.      

      "Everyone needs someone to help them navigate," the TV talk-show host explained. "I had Bill Cosby, Quincy Jones, Sidney Poitier and Maya Angelou who I look to. You can't do that on your own. Someone has to show it to you."      

       "Precious" won the grand jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and has been generating Oscar buzz.      

       Carey, Patton and newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, who plays the title role, gathered at a private cocktail reception prior to the movie's Toronto premiere where they later joined Winfrey on the red carpet, according to the Associated Press.      

       "I couldn't wait to get here because I love it so much and I couldn't wait to see it again. I am just really excited," said Carey.