“The Oscar goes to 12 Years a Slave,” said Will Smith as the actor announced the best picture winner.
The film tells the true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man sold into slavery in Louisiana before the American Civil War. British director Steve McQueen accepted the award with his fellow producers, including the actor and filmmaker Brad Pitt. McQueen dedicated the Oscar to victims of slavery.
“Everyone deserves not just to survive, but to live. This is the most important legacy of Solomon Northup. I dedicate this award to all the people who have endured slavery, and the 21 million people who still suffer slavery today,” said McQueen.
Kenya-born actress Lupita Nyong’o was honored for her supporting role in the film as the female slave Patsey. She edged out Jennifer Lawrence, of the crime caper American Hustle, and Julia Roberts, of the drama August: Osage County. Nyong’o recalled the life of the character she played, a story passed down through Northrop’s memoir.
“It doesn’t escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else’s. And so I want to salute the spirit of Patsey for her guidance, and for Solomon, thank you for telling her story and your own,” said Nyong’o.
12 Years a Slave was also honored for its adapted screenplay by John Ridley.
The space drama Gravity earned Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron the Oscar for best directing. Gravity was also honored for its cinematography, film editing, sound editing and sound mixing, visual effects and original score. American Hustle, which was nominated for 10 awards, earned none.