Photo Associated Press
’12 Years A Slave’ actress (L-R) Lupita Noyong’o actor Chiwetel Ejiofor and director Steve McQueen pose on the Red Carpet with the Golden Globe Award their film won for Best Motion Picture – Drama
’12 Years a Slave’ knocks out at award shows this season
It’s too early to tell, but if Sunday night’s Golden Globe award was any indication, then the riveting and pulsating “12 Years A Slave” could be in line for an Oscar this spring when the Academy of Motion pictures presents its prestigious statute.
African American director Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave” capped a monumental evening on January 12 at the Beverly Hilton by capturing the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama.
Prior to the “12 Years A Slave” Golden Globe victory, it had already been anticipated the historical drama, which graphically portrays the horrors of American slavery, might be too real for award show decision makers, but all signs are pointing to a major award winning season.
“12” explores the true story of Solomon Northup, an African American man born free in the 1800s then captured illegally and sold into slavery. The movie-wowed audiences at film festivals around the world then made box office highs when it hit theaters November 2013.
It had already garnered a bevy of nominations and awards both this year and last at a myriad of award shows. “12” will be a strong contender at next months NAACP Image Awards (airing February 22) as well.
The seven nominations at Golden Globes made for a glorious night for “12” director Steve McQueen, and the rest of the cast and crew (including actorsChiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong’o who were each up for best performance awards). But at Sunday’s ceremony the stars did not align for the film as many had hoped they would. The film lost in six of the seven nominated categories, but “12” escaped with the grandest prize of all.
“American Hustle” tied “12” for most nominations at this years Golden Globes, nominated seven times as well. “Hustle” however was the Globes big winner this year, taking home three awards (Best Motion Picture – Comedy, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress), more than any other film.
Awards Sunday were spread pretty evenly amongst 2013’s heavy hitters. “Gravity,” “Wolf of Wall Street” and “Dallas Buyers Club” each took home big awards. So where does that leave things for the upcoming Oscars?
Though it’s standard to hear that the Globes are not indicators of the Oscars, history has shown us otherwise. With multiple nominations and the evening’s biggest honor, things are looking very hopeful for “12 Years a Slave” at the 2014 Academy Awards.
It cost $15 million to make, and is has already grossed more than$43 million, but after a robust awards season and DVD distribution that will seem like pocket change.
Kenneth Miller Assistant Managing Editor contributed to this story
