Gabourey Sidibe has gone from acting to calling the shots.
The actress, who received an Oscar nomination for her turn as an abused teenager in Lee Daniels’ Precious (2009), directed the new Lifetime movie Mary J. Blige Presents: Be Happy.
Urban Hollywood 411 spoke with Sidibe at the Los Angeles premiere of her new film, for details on her experience as a first-time movie director.
“It feels amazing,” she said. “I cannot believe it got done. I can’t believe they trusted me, but they did and they can’t get their money back.”
Based on Blige’s 1994 hit song by the same name, Be Happy tells the story of a 50-year-old wife and stay-at-home mom, who is eager to reignite the spark in her strained marriage when her youngest child leaves for college.
Along the way, she meets a charming photographer who helps her rediscover her creative side.
Tisha Campbell (Act Your Age and School Daze) leads the all-star cast. Mekhi Phifer (8 Mile), Russell Hornsby (BMF), and Zing Ashford (Origin) also star.
Sidibe said she gained the confidence to direct by paying close attention to filmmaker Sanaa Hamri on the set of Empire. The actress played “Becky” on the series over 98 episodes. Hamri, who was an executive producer and director, mentored her.
“I spent six seasons on Empire and I directed two episodes in season 5 and season 6,” Sidibe said. “Sanaa Hamri really ushered and shaped, molded me as a director. She let me shadow her. She’s such a powerhouse and a great director. ”
Sidibe hopes this latest project is just the start of her directing journey.
“I would like to direct more, in general. I love to do episodic television,” she said. “What’s next, is just bringing more stories that I feel represent me and my world.”
Sidibe has a relationship with Lifetime after previously starring in the network’s 2025 child custody drama, Give Me Back My Daughter.
Her new film, Mary J. Blige Presents: Be Happy was written by Cameron J. Ross and produced by Blige’s production company through her extended deal with Lifetime. The Grammy-winning singer serves as an executive producer on the movie.
Mona Scott-Young produces alongside Bruce Miller, Milana Edwards Brooks, and Angela White. Executive producers include Nick Roses, Mychael G. Chinn, Stephanie R. Gayle, Michael Lang, Chet Fenster, and Eric Tomosunas.
Mary J. Blige Presents: Be Happy debuts Saturday, Feb. 7 at 8/7c as part of Lifetime’s winter 2026 “Love of a Lifetime” film slate.
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