Summary

Based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life. – Written by Fox Searchlight

The Nominations

Best Motion Picture of the Year 

Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role–Chiwetel Ejiofor

Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role–Michael Fassbender

Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role–Lu

pita Nyong’o

Achievement in Costume Design

Achievement in Directing–Steve McQueen 

Achievement in Film Editing

Achievement in Production Design

Adapted Screenplay

Why It Should Win

This is my pick for Best Motion Picture of the Year because this film restored my faith in quality film making. But, personal opinion aside, the odds are ever in 12 Years a Slave‘s favor. Statistics have proven over the years that if a film picks up certain other prestigious awards in the circuit–the Golden Globes, the Producers Guild of America, the SAG, etc– that it is far more likely to pick up the golden statue at the Academy Awards. So far Steve McQueen’s drama powerhouse has snagged the Toronto IFF People’s Choice Award, the Golden Globe for Best Drama, the Producers Guild of America Award (although it tied with Gravity for that one), and the Critics’ Choice Award.