Movie |
Sold Into Slavery | Slavery
In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty 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 will forever alter his life.
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In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty 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 will forever alter his life.
Best Motion Picture of the Year | 2014 | Brad
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role | 2014 | Lupita
Best Writing Adapted Screenplay | 2014 | John
Best Motion Picture Drama | 2014
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role | 2014 | Lupita
Best Movie for Grownups | 2014
Best Independent Film | 2014
Best Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Screenplay | 2014 | John
Best Supporting Actress | 2014 | Lupita
Best Director | 2014 | Steve
Movie of the Year | 2014
Outstanding Motion Picture | 2014
Outstanding Actor Motion Picture | 2014 | Chiwetel
Outstanding Supporting Actress Motion Picture | 2014 | Lupita
Outstanding Director Motion Picture | 2014 | Steve
Outstanding Screenplay Adapted or Original Motion Picture | 2014 | John
Outstanding Ensemble | 2014 | Francine
Outstanding Score | 2014 | Hans
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance Female | 2014 | Lupita
Best Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Most Valuable Film of the Year | 2014 | Steve
Cinema for Peace Award for the Most Valuable Film of the Year | 2014 | Steve
Excellence in Period Film | 2014 | Patricia
Best Picture | 2014
Best Supporting Actress | 2014 | Lupita
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2014 | John
Best Supporting Actor | 2014 | Michael
Best Foreign Film Miglior Film Straniero | 2014 | Steve
Best Feature Film | 2014 | Steve
Overall Favorite | 2013 | Steve
2013 | Steve
Best Foreign Film Melhor Filme Estrangeiro | 2015 | Steve
Best Feature Film | 2014 | Steve
Best Director | 2014 | Steve
Best Screenplay | 2014 | John
Best Cinematography | 2014 | Sean
Best Supporting Female | 2014 | Lupita
Best Feature | 2014 | Bill
Film of the Year | 2014
Best Supporting Actor | 2014 | Michael
Best Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actress | 2014 | Lupita
Supporting Actress | 2014 | Lupita
Motion Picture | 2014 | Anthony
Adapted Screenplay | 2014 | John
Supporting Actress of the Decade | 2020 | Lupita
Best Adapted Screenplay Melhor Argumento Adaptado | 2015 | John
Best Scene or Sequence Melhor Cena ou Sequncia | 2015 | Michael
Best Supporting Actress Melhor Atriz Secundria | 2015 | Lupita
Best Supporting Voice Actress | 2014 | Erica
Best Overall Dubbing For and | 2014
Best Overall Dubbing | 2014
Best Director | 2014 | Steve
Feature Film Category | 2014 | John
Outstanding Motion Picture | 2014
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture | 2014 | Lupita
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture Theatrical or Television | 2014 | John
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture | 2014 | Steve
Best Picture | 2014
Best Director | 2014 | Steve
Best Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor | 2014 | Michael
Best Supporting Actress | 2014 | Lupita
2014 | Chiwetel
Film of the Year | 2014
Actor of the Year | 2014 | Chiwetel
Supporting Actress of the Year | 2014 | Lupita
Best Narrative Film | 2014
Best Director | 2014 | Steve
Best Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor | 2014 | Michael
Best Supporting Actress | 2014 | Lupita
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2014 | John
Best Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor | 2014 | Michael
Best Supporting Actress | 2014 | Lupita
Best Breakthrough Performance Female | 2014 | Lupita
Best Casting | 2014 | Francine
Best Writing Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium | 2014 | John
Best Picture | 2014 | Arnon
2014 | Lupita
2014 | Steve
Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures | 2014 | Dede
Best Foreign Film Mejor Pelcula Extranjera | 2014 | Steve
Favourite Female African Intl Rising Screen Talent | 2014 | Lupita
Male Performance in Film | 2014 | Chiwetel
Breakout Performance | 2013 | Lupita
Best Picture | 2013
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Screenplay | 2013 | John
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Writing Adapted Screenplay | 2013 | John
Best Picture | 2013 | Arnon
Best Breakthrough Performance | 2013 | Lupita
Unforgettable Moment | 2013
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2013 | John
British Artist of the Year For and | 2013
British Artist of the Year | 2013 | Benedict
Best Picture | 2013
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2013 | John
Best Ensemble | 2013 | Alfre
Best Film | 2013
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Editing | 2013 | Joe
Best Original Score | 2013 | Hans
Best Ensemble | 2013
2013 | John
2013 | Michael
Best Picture | 2013
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2013 | John
Best Picture | 2013
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Screenplay | 2013 | John
Best Film | 2013
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2013 | John
2013 | Lupita
2013 | Lupita
Breakthrough Directing | 2013 | Steve
2013 | Lupita
Best Picture | 2013
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Screenplay | 2013 | John
Best Movie Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Picture | 2013
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Musical Score | 2013 | Hans
Best Film | 2013
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Lead Performance | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Performance | 2013 | Lupita
Best Ensemble | 2013
Best Film | 2013
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor | 2013 | Michael
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Screenplay Adapted | 2013 | John
Best Picture | 2013
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Costume Design | 2013 | Patricia
Best Score | 2013 | Hans
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Top Ten Films | 2013
Best Film | 2013
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Film | 2013
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Top Films of the Year | 2013
Best Picture | 2013
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor | 2013 | Michael
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2013 | John
Best Picture | 2013
Best Actress in a Supporting Role | 2013 | Lupita
Best Screenplay Adapted | 2013 | John
Best Picture | 2013
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2013 | John
Best Film | 2013
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2013 | John
Best Cinematography | 2013 | Sean
Special Merit for best scene cinematic technique or other memorable aspect or moment | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Music | 2013 | Hans
Best Film | 2013 | Steve
2013 | Steve
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Film | 2013
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Acting Ensemble | 2013
Best Original Score | 2013 | Hans
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2013 | John
Outstanding Actress Feature Film | 2013 | Lupita
Best International Film Beste Buitenlandse Film | 2015
Best Supporting Actor International Competition | 2015 | Michael
Top Ten of the Year International Competition | 2015 | Steve
Best Supporting Actor International Competition For | 2015
Best Duo International Competition | 2015 | Lupita
Best Editing International Competition | 2015 | Joe
Freedom of Expression Honorary Award | 2015 | Steve
Outstanding Achievement in Casting Big Budget Feature Drama | 2015 | Melissa
Best Supporting Actress International Competition | 2015 | Lupita
Artist of Distinction | 2020 | Chiwetel
Best Achievement in Costume Design | 2014 | Patricia
Best Achievement in Film Editing | 2014 | Joe
Best Achievement in Directing | 2014 | Steve
Best Achievement in Production Design | 2014 | Adam
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role | 2014 | Michael
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Original Score Motion Picture | 2014 | Hans
Best Screenplay Motion Picture | 2014 | John
Best Director Motion Picture | 2014 | Steve
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture | 2014 | Lupita
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture | 2014 | Michael
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture Drama | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Production Design | 2014 | Alice
Best Editing | 2014 | Joe
Best Cinematography | 2014 | Sean
Best Supporting Actress | 2014 | Lupita
Best Supporting Actor | 2014 | Michael
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2014 | John
Period Film | 2014 | Alice
Adapted Screenplay of the Decade | 2020 | John
Ensemble of the Decade | 2020 | Alfre
Ensemble Cast | 2014 | Michael Kenneth
Lead Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Supporting Actor | 2014 | Michael
Cinematography | 2014 | Sean
Sound | 2014 | A. Josh
Costume Design | 2014 | Patricia
Film Editing | 2014 | Joe
MakeupHair | 2014 | Adruitha
Production Design | 2014 | Adam
Original Score | 2014 | Hans
Director | 2014 | Steve
Best Supporting Actor International Competition | 2015 | Michael
Best Costume Design International Competition | 2015 | Patricia
Best Art Direction International Competition | 2015 | David
Best Director International Competition | 2015 | Steve
Best Actor International Competition | 2015 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actress International Competition | 2015 | Lupita
Best Film International Competition | 2015 | Steve
Best Film Melhor Filme | 2015 | Steve
Best Director Melhor Realizador | 2015 | Steve
Best Supporting Actor Melhor Actor Secundrio | 2015 | Michael
Best Ensemble Melhor Elenco | 2015
Best Cinematography Melhor Fotografia | 2015 | Sean
Best Production Values Melhores Valores de Produo | 2015
Best Foreign Film Meilleur film tranger | 2015 | Steve
Best American Film rets amerikanske film | 2015 | Steve
2014 | Hans
2014 | Steve
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role | 2014 | Chiwetel
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role | 2014 | Michael
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture | 2014
Best Film | 2014 | Anthony
Best Direction | 2014 | Steve
Best Screenplay | 2014 | John
Best Supporting Actress | 2014 | Lupita
Best Edited Feature Film Dramatic | 2014 | Joe
Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Feature Film | 2014 | Sean
Outstanding Song | 2014 | Alicia
Best Supporting Actress Mejor Actriz de reparto | 2014 | Lupita
Best Director | 2014 | Steve
Best Supporting Actor | 2014 | Michael
Best Supporting Actress | 2014 | Lupita
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2014 | John
Best Cinematography | 2014 | Sean
Best Score | 2014 | Hans
Best Ensemble | 2014
Actor of the Year For and | 2014
Best Picture | 2014
Best Foreign Film Mejor Pelcula Extranjera | 2014 | Steve
Best Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor | 2014 | Michael
Best Acting Ensemble | 2014
Best Director | 2014 | Steve
Best Cinematography | 2014 | Sean
Best Art Direction | 2014 | Alice
Best Editing | 2014 | Joe
Best Costume Design | 2014 | Patricia
Best Makeup | 2014
Best Score | 2014 | Hans
Best Foreign Film Miglior Film Straniero | 2014 | Steve
Best Original Score | 2014 | Hans
Best Picture | 2014
Best Director | 2014 | Steve
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor | 2014 | Michael
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2014 | John
Best Ensemble | 2013
Best Film | 2013
Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film | 2014 | Steve
Best Female Newcomer | 2014 | Lupita
Best Supporting Actress | 2014 | Lupita
Best Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Director | 2014 | Steve
Best Film | 2014
Film Performance of the Year Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Film Performance of the Year Actress | 2014 | Lupita
2014 | Lupita
Best Production Design | 2014 | Adam
Best Original Score | 2014 | Hans
Best Ensemble | 2014
Best Picture | 2014
Best Director | 2014 | Steve
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2014 | John
Best Cinematography | 2014 | Sean
Best Picture | 2014
Best Leading Voice Actor | 2014
Best Supporting Voice Actor | 2014
Best Dubbing Direction | 2014
Best Film | 2014
Best Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor | 2014 | Michael
Best Scene | 2014
Best Line of Dialogue | 2014 | Liza J.
Biggest GameChanger | 2014
Best Foreign Film Bsta utlndska film | 2014 | Steve
Outstanding Editing Feature Film | 2014 | Joe
Outstanding Color Grading Feature Film | 2014
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture | 2014 | Chiwetel
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture | 2014 | Alfre
Best Picture | 2014
Best Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor | 2014 | Michael
Best Supporting Actress | 2014 | Lupita
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2014 | John
Best Original Score | 2014 | Hans
Best Ensemble | 2014
Best Director | 2014 | Steve
Best Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor | 2014 | Michael
Best Supporting Actress | 2014 | Lupita
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2014 | Steve
Best Picture | 2014
Best Cinematography | 2014 | Sean
Best Costume Design | 2014 | Patricia
Best Makeup and Hairstyling | 2014
Best Original Score | 2014 | Hans
Best Ensemble Cast | 2014
Best Production Design | 2014 | Adam
Best International Film | 2014
Best Original Score Miglior colonna sonora | 2014 | Hans
Best Picture Miglior film | 2014 | Bill
Best Supporting Actor Miglior attore non protagonista | 2014 | Michael
Best Supporting Actress Miglior attrice non protagonista | 2014 | Lupita
Best Cast | 2014
Best Adapted Screenplay Miglior sceneggiatura non originale | 2014 | John
Best Costume Design Migliori costumi | 2014 | Patricia
Supporting Actor of the Year | 2014 | Michael
British Actor of the Year | 2014 | Chiwetel
British Actor of the Year For | 2014
Director of the Year | 2014 | Steve
Screenwriter of the Year | 2014 | John
Technical Achievement of the Year | 2014 | Sean
Best Sound Editing Sound Effects and Foley in a Feature Film | 2014 | Jon
Best Sound Editing Dialogue and ADR in a Feature Film | 2014 | Henry
Best Sound Editing Music in a Feature Film | 2014 | Catherine
Movie of the Year | 2014
Best Male Performance | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Female Performance | 2014 | Lupita
Best Villain | 2014 | Michael
Best Film | 2014
Best Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actress | 2014 | Lupita
Best Director | 2014 | Steve
Best Supporting Actress | 2014 | Sarah
Best Film | 2014
Best Ensemble | 2014
Best Director | 2014 | Steve
Best Music Original Score | 2014 | Hans
Best Film Editing | 2014 | Joe
Best Cinematography | 2014 | Sean
Best Production Design | 2014 | Alice
Best Costume Design | 2014 | Patricia
Best Makeup and Hairstyling | 2014
Best Sound Mixing | 2014 | Leslie
Most Cinematic Moment | 2014
Best Movie Trailer | 2014
Best Movie Poster | 2014
Best Foreign Drama of the Year | 2014
Best Actor in a Motion Picture | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Actress in a Supporting Role | 2014 | Lupita
Best Actor in a Supporting Role | 2014 | Michael
Best Screenplay Adapted | 2014 | John
Best Original Score | 2014 | Hans
Best Cinematography | 2014 | Sean
Best Film Editing | 2014 | Joe
Best Costume Design | 2014 | Patricia
Best Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor | 2014 | Michael
Best Supporting Actress | 2014 | Lupita
Best Ensemble Cast | 2014 | Alfre
Best Picture | 2014
Best Director | 2014 | Steve
Best Screenplay Adapted | 2014 | John
Best Costume Design | 2014 | Patricia
Best Film Editing | 2014 | Joe
Best Production Design | 2014 | Alice
Best Actor | 2014 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor | 2014 | Michael
Best Supporting Actress | 2014 | Lupita
Best Screenplay | 2014 | John
Film Composer of the Year For and | 2014
Best Original Film Score of the Year | 2014 | Hans
Film Composer of the Year | 2014 | Hans
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor | 2013 | Michael
Best Ensemble Cast | 2013
Best Cinematography | 2013 | Sean
Best Film Editing | 2013 | Joe
Best Film Music or Score | 2013 | Hans
Unforgettable Moment | 2013
Best Film | 2013
Best Motion Picture | 2013
Best Actor in a Leading Role | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Actor in a Supporting Role | 2013 | Michael
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Cinematography | 2013 | Sean
Best Production Design | 2013 | Alice
Best Costume Design | 2013 | Patricia
Best Film Editing | 2013 | Joe
Best Original Score | 2013 | Hans
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Cinematography in a Theatrical Feature Film | 2013 | Sean
Best Cinematography in a Feature Film | 2013 | Sean
Best Supporting Actor | 2013 | Michael
Best Cinematography | 2013 | Sean
Best Original Score | 2013 | Hans
Best Art DirectionProduction Design | 2013 | Adam
Best Editing | 2013 | Joe
Most Promising Performer | 2013 | Lupita
2013 | Steve
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor | 2013 | Michael
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Cinematography | 2013 | Sean
Best Supporting Actor | 2013 | Michael
Favorite Movie of the Year | 2013
Best Director of the Year | 2013 | Steve
Best Screenplay of the Year | 2013 | John
Best Actor of the Year | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor of the Year | 2013 | Michael
Best Supporting Actress of the Year | 2013 | Lupita
Breakthrough Performance of the Year | 2013 | Lupita
Most Memorable Scene in a Movie | 2013
2013 | Anthony
Best Feature | 2013 | Anthony
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Breakthrough Actor | 2013 | Lupita
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Supporting Actor | 2013 | Michael
Best Cinematography | 2013 | Sean
Best Original Score | 2013 | Hans
Best Movie | 2013
Best Movie Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Movie Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Drama Movie | 2013
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2013 | John
Best Supporting Performance | 2013 | Michael
Best Screenplay | 2013 | John
Best Original Score or Soundtrack | 2013 | Hans
Best Cinematography | 2013 | Sean
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Film | 2013
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor | 2013 | Michael
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Actor in a Leading Role | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Actor in a Supporting Role | 2013 | Michael
Best Original Score | 2013 | Hans
Best Cinematography | 2013 | Sean
Best Film Editing | 2013 | Joe
Best Production Design | 2013 | Adam
Best Costume Design | 2013 | Patricia
Breakthrough Performance on Camera | 2013 | Lupita
Best Acting Ensemble | 2013 | Cameron
Best Film | 2013
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Supporting Actor | 2013 | Michael
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2013 | John
Best Editing | 2013 | Joe
Best Production Design | 2013 | Adam
Best Score | 2013 | Hans
Best Ensemble Performance | 2013
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Supporting Actor | 2013 | Michael
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Cinematography | 2013 | Sean
Best Production Design | 2013 | Adam
Best Editing | 2013 | Joe
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2013 | John
Best Supporting Actor | 2013 | Michael
Best Ensemble | 2013
Best Cinematography | 2013 | Sean
Best Supporting Actor | 2013 | Michael
Best Music | 2013 | Hans
Best Art Direction | 2013 | Alice
Best Film | 2013 | Steve
Best Picture | 2013
Best Actor | 2013 | Chiwetel
Best Supporting Actor | 2013 | Michael
Best Supporting Actress | 2013 | Lupita
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Picture | 2013
Best Supporting Actor | 2013 | Michael
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Adapted Screenplay | 2013 | John
Best Director | 2013 | Steve
Best Supporting Actor | 2013 | Michael
Best Art Direction | 2013 | Alice
Best Cinematography | 2013 | Sean
Best Editing | 2013 | Joe
Outstanding Feature Film | 2013
Budget 20,000,000 USD
Box Office Collection 187,000,000 USD
The tree where Solomon sees several men being lynched was actually used for lynching, and is surrounded by the graves of murdered slaves.
Director Sir Steve McQueen had been toying with the idea of writing a script about slavery, featuring a black man who had been born free and was later forced into slavery, but McQueen was struggling with the script until his wife found Solomon Northup's biography and gave it to him. Shocked that he had never heard of Northup before, he decided to adapt the book instead.
In order to better portray an alcoholic, Michael Fassbender had his makeup artist paint his mustache with alcohol so that the other actors would react naturally to the smell, as they would to a man who had been drinking heavily.
At first, Chiwetel Ejiofor turned down Sir Steve McQueen's offer to play the leading role of Solomon Northup, but then realized he had to get over his initial fear of taking on what McQueen thought would be the role of the actor's lifetime. Ejiofor prepared for his role by immersing himself in the Louisiana plantation culture and learning how to play the violin.
Before filming their more brutal scenes together, Lupita Nyong'o and Michael Fassbender performed a ritual of "making nice." According to Nyong'o, "We wouldn't say anything to each other, just a look in the eye and a grasping of hands. Our characters are in such opposition, but we as actors needed each other in order to be able to go the distance."
"Solomon Northup: I don't want to survive. I want to live."
"Edwin Epps: If something rubs you wrongly, I offer you the opportunity to speak on it. Bass: [exhales] Well, you ask plainly, so I will tell you plainly. What amused me just then was your concern for my wellbeing in this heat when, quite frankly, the condition of your laborers... Edwin Epps: The condition of my laborers? Bass: It is horrid. Edwin Epps: The hell? [chuckles] Bass: It's all wrong. All wrong, Mr. Epps. Edwin Epps: They ain't hired help. They're my property. Bass: You say that with pride. Edwin Epps: I say it as fact. Bass: If this conversation concerns what is factual and what is not, then it must be said that there is no justice nor righteousness in their slavery. But you do open up an interesting question. What right have you to your niggers, when you come down to the point? Edwin Epps: What right? Bass: Mmm Edwin Epps: I bought 'em. I paid for 'em. Bass: Well, of course you did, and the law says you have the right to hold a nigger. But begging the law's pardon, it lies. Suppose they pass a law taking away your liberty, making you a slave. Suppose. Edwin Epps: That ain't a supposable case. Bass: Laws change, Epps. Universal truths are constant. It is a fact, a plain and simple fact, that what is true and right is true and right for all. White and black alike. Edwin Epps: You comparing me to a nigger, Bass? Bass: I'm only asking, in the eyes of God, what is the difference? Edwin Epps: You might as well ask what the difference is between a white man and a baboon. [chuckles] Edwin Epps: I seen one of them critters in Orleans. Know just as much as any nigger I got. Bass: Listen, Epps, these niggers are human beings. If they are allowed to climb no higher than brute animals, you and men like you will have to answer for it. There is an ill, Mr. Epps. A fearful ill resting upon this nation. And there will be a day of reckoning yet."
