Mariah Carey will be presented with the Breakthrough Performance Award at the 21st annual Palm Springs International Film Festival.

The pop diva is being honoured for her performance in Lionsgate’s ‘Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.’ Festival chairman Harold Matzner commented, “We’re delighted to be able to present the Breakthrough Performance Award to the extraordinary, very beautiful and versatile Mariah Carey, who, in a critically acclaimed role, completely transformed herself from a glamorous music icon to a forthright social worker for the role of Ms. Weiss in ‘Precious.’”

It has been a slog for Carey to gain respect for her screen efforts. The singer began her acting career with a small role as an opera singer in the 1999 romantic comedy ‘The Bachelor.’ Her performance was critically panned. This was followed in 2001 with a starring role in the semi-autobiographical film, ’Glitter.’ A critical and box-office disaster, ‘Glitter’ has been called one of the worst films of all time and Carey won that year’s Golden Raspberry Award for worst actress. She later appeared in ‘Wisegirls’ and ‘Tennessee.’ Both performances were much more warmly reviewed. Now, ten years after her screen debut, Carey is being recognized for her breakthrough performance.

Past recipients of the same award include Marion Cotillard, Jennifer Hudson, Felicity Huffman and Freida Pinto. Carey will join previously announced honorees Morgan Freeman and Anna Kendrick at the event, which takes place January 5 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

(Photo by PR Photos)

Story provided by the Dish Information Corporation