Best Picture Nominees -- 12 Years A Slave


I continue my look at Best Picture nominees with a favorite, "12 Years A Slave."

Movie: 12 Years A Slave
Nominations: 9
Nominated For: Best Picture, Best Actor (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Best Supporting Actor (Michael Fassbender), Best Supporting Actress (Lupita Nyong'o), Best Director (Steve McQueen), Best Adapted Screenplay (John Ridley), Best Editing, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design
About: The race for Best Picture might be the tightest it's been in recent years. There are two camps. "12 Years A Slave" is an incredible, and incredibly important look at American History. "Gravity" is an incredible cinematic and technical achievement. Both have been honored by numerous bodies, and at this point it might be a coin flip as to which will win. Both are incredible films that are incredibly moving. But doubtless "12 Years A Slave" will come away with one or two awards on March 2. Among the acting nominees, Nyong'o is a favorite in the Best Supporting Actress race, and could easily come away with the Academy Award. Both Ejiofor, who was incredible, and Fassbender are long-shots. I think the other best chance for awards here comes in the screenplay category, for the way Ridley adapted this book by Solomon Northup, and in costume and production design. Historically the editing award has gone to the film that wins Best Picture, so look for that category in the middle of the show to shed some light. All three of the films with the best chance at Best Picture -- "12 Years A Slave," "Gravity," and "American Hustle" -- are nominated in that category.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.
"12 Years A Slave" is now playing nationwide.

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