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Cast
See All Cast

  • Chiwetel Ejiofor

    Chiwetel Ejiofor

    Solomon Northup

  • Michael Fassbender

    Michael Fassbender

    Epps

  • Brad Pitt

    Brad Pitt

    Bass

  • Paul Dano

    Paul Dano

    John Tibeats

  • Scoot McNairy

    Scoot McNairy

  • Taran Killam

    Taran Killam

  • Benedict Cumberbatch

    Benedict Cumberbatch

    William Ford

  • Paul Giamatti

    Paul Giamatti

    Theophilus Freeman

Credits
See All Credits

  • Steve McQueen

    Steve McQueen

    Director / Screenwriter

  • John Ridley

    John Ridley

    Screenwriter

  • Brad Pitt

    Brad Pitt

    Producer

  • Dede Gardner

    Dede Gardner

    Producer

  • Jeremy Kleiner

    Jeremy Kleiner

    Producer

  • Bill Pohlad

    Bill Pohlad

    Producer

  • Anthony Katagas

    Anthony Katagas

    Producer

  • Sean Bobbitt

    Sean Bobbitt

    Director of Photography

Latest News

  1. Watch Video Diddy Praises '12 Years a Slave': 'The Truth Has Finally Almost Been Told' (Video)

    Diddy Praises '12 Years a Slave': 'The Truth Has Finally Almost Been Told' (Video)

    11:52 am PDT 10/24/2013
    • Hilary Lewis
    Number of comments:

    The hip-hop mogul urges people to see the acclaimed Fox Searchlight film. READ MORE

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  2. '12 Years a Slave' Leads Gotham Awards Nominees

    '12 Years a Slave' Leads Gotham Awards Nominees

    7:00 am PDT 10/24/2013
    • Gregg Kilday
    Number of comments:

    Robert Redford, Matthew McConaughey, Cate Blanchett and Scarlett Johansson are among those receiving nominations from the IFP for their indie film work. READ MORE

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  3. In the Magazine
    Oscar Whisper Campaigns: The Slurs Against '12 Years,' 'Captain Phillips,' 'Gravity' and 'The Butler'

    Oscar Whisper Campaigns: The Slurs Against '12 Years,' 'Captain Phillips,' 'Gravity' and 'The Butler'

    5:00 am PDT 10/23/2013
    • Scott Feinberg
    Number of comments:

    THR's awards analyst breaks down how this year's top contenders are being targeted for accuracy -- and how they're fighting back. READ MORE

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  4. Watch Video Hollywood Film Awards: Kanye West Presents to Director Steve McQueen Before Getting Engaged (Video)

    Hollywood Film Awards: Kanye West Presents to Director Steve McQueen Before Getting Engaged (Video)

    10:10 am PDT 10/22/2013
    • THR Staff
    Number of comments:

    The rapper flew in from San Francisco -- and back to the Bay Area later that night to propose to Kim Kardashian -- to present the "12 Years a Slave" helmer with his award. READ MORE

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  5. Watch Video UPDATED: Box Office (Specialty): '12 Years a Slave' Opens Big, Attracts Diverse Audience

    UPDATED: Box Office (Specialty): '12 Years a Slave' Opens Big, Attracts Diverse Audience

    12:43 pm PDT 10/20/2013
    • Pamela McClintock
    Number of comments:

    Ocean-set drama "All Is Lost" -- starring Robert Redford -- debuts in New York and Los Angeles to more muted numbers; ditto for Daniel Radcliffe's "Kill Your Darlings." READ MORE

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    • 8
  6. Columbia to Release '12 Years a Slave's' John Legend-Curated Soundtrack

    Columbia to Release '12 Years a Slave's' John Legend-Curated Soundtrack

    1:29 pm PDT 10/18/2013
    • Sophie Schillaci
    Number of comments:

    The album, featuring original recordings from Hans Zimmer, Alicia Keys, Alabama Shakes and more, will be available digitally on Nov. 5. READ MORE

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  7. Watch Video In Theaters This Weekend: Reviews of '12 Years a Slave,' 'The Fifth Estate' and More

    In Theaters This Weekend: Reviews of '12 Years a Slave,' 'The Fifth Estate' and More

    6:00 pm PDT 10/17/2013
    • Stephanie Chan
    Number of comments:

    What THR's critics say about the movies opening this weekend. READ MORE

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  8. Watch Video '12 Years a Slave': What the Critics Are Saying

    '12 Years a Slave': What the Critics Are Saying

    1:14 pm PDT 10/17/2013
    • Hilary Lewis
    Number of comments:

    The often-brutal true story is praised by reviewers for its willingness to reveal the dark side of the antebellum U.S., with actors Chiwetel Ejiofor and Michael Fassbender also earning plaudits. READ MORE

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  9. '12 Years a Slave' Cinematographer Sean Bobbitt: Not Letting the Audience Off the Hook

    12:31 pm PDT 10/17/2013
    • Carolyn Giardina
    Number of comments:

    “A lot of people complained that the shots were too long and uncomfortable," says the lenser. "[Director Steve McQueen said] 'That worked perfect then, and we're not going to change that.'" READ MORE

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  10. Heat Vision
    Watch Video '12 Years a Slave': Steve McQueen, Cast Talk About the Harrowing True Tale at L.A. Screening

    '12 Years a Slave': Steve McQueen, Cast Talk About the Harrowing True Tale at L.A. Screening

    2:09 pm PDT 10/15/2013
    • Terese Torgersen
    Number of comments:

    "I was really uncomfortable with having all the makeup on my back -- and I was confronted with the fact that Patsey's wounds were permanent," said actress Lupita Nyong'o at the DGA headquarters in West Hollywood on Monday. READ MORE

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  11. Oscars: Michael Fassbender Says He Won't Campaign Again

    Oscars: Michael Fassbender Says He Won't Campaign Again

    7:58 am PDT 10/15/2013
    • Hilary Lewis
    Number of comments:

    After his fruitless pursuit of a nomination for "Shame," the "12 Years a Slave" star tells GQ, "I'm not a politician. I'm an actor." READ MORE

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  12. Madonna Banned From Movie Theaters After Reportedly Texting During '12 Years a Slave'

    Madonna Banned From Movie Theaters After Reportedly Texting During '12 Years a Slave'

    10:11 am PDT 10/14/2013
    • Hilary Lewis
    Number of comments:

    UPDATED: The Texas-based Alamo Drafthouse chain has a strict policy against such behavior, and its founder and CEO tweeted that the Queen of Pop would not be admitted until she apologized. READ MORE

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  13. Watch Video New York Film Fest: '12 Years a Slave' Cast Talks Tapping Into Brutal True Story

    New York Film Fest: '12 Years a Slave' Cast Talks Tapping Into Brutal True Story

    9:00 pm PDT 10/9/2013
    • Hilary Lewis
    Number of comments:

    Michael Fassbender, Steve McQueen, Chiwetel Ejiofor and more reveal how they tried to capture the harsh reality of slavery. READ MORE

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  14. The Race
    New York Film Fest: '12 Years a Slave,' 'All is Lost' and 'Nebraska' Clamor for Attention on Busy Night

    New York Film Fest: '12 Years a Slave,' 'All is Lost' and 'Nebraska' Clamor for Attention on Busy Night

    7:31 am PDT 10/9/2013
    • Scott Feinberg
    Number of comments:

    Stars Michael Fassbender, Robert Redford and Bruce Dern were joined by the likes of Madonna and Carl Bernstein at back-to-back-to-back screenings and receptions. READ MORE

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  15. The Race
    Oscars: How Screener DVDs Help or Hurt This Year's Contenders (Analysis)

    Oscars: How Screener DVDs Help or Hurt This Year's Contenders (Analysis)

    7:00 am PDT 10/4/2013
    • Scott Feinberg
    Number of comments:

    Several big movies could lose awards luster if voters wait to view them on the small screen (i.e. the 3D space drama "Gravity"), but others might actually benefit from a home viewing (i.e. the lesbian love story "Blue Is the Warmest Color"). READ MORE

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  16. In the Magazine
    How a Brad Pitt Mantra, 'Game On, F---ers!,' Fueled His Oscar Contender '12 Years a Slave'

    How a Brad Pitt Mantra, 'Game On, F---ers!,' Fueled His Oscar Contender '12 Years a Slave'

    9:16 am PDT 10/2/2013
    • Stephen Galloway
    Number of comments:

    The Plan B star-producer reveals the stomach-churning drama that had his team remaking "World War Z" while developing "Slave," as negative whispers and doubt abounded. Says his partner, Dede Gardner: "It's still hard for me to talk about, to be totally honest." READ MORE

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  17. In the Magazine
    '12 Years a Slave': Exclusive Portraits of Star-Producer Brad Pitt and His Cast

    '12 Years a Slave': Exclusive Portraits of Star-Producer Brad Pitt and His Cast

    9:11 am PDT 10/2/2013
    • THR Staff
    Number of comments:

    The actor's "Game-on, f---ers" mantra has led him and his production company to create challenging films, including the historical drama starring Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup, a free black man who was sold into slavery. The Fox Searchlight film opens Oct. 18. READ MORE

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  18. The Race
    '12 Years a Slave' Director and Actress to Be Honored at Hollywood Film Awards (Exclusive)

    '12 Years a Slave' Director and Actress to Be Honored at Hollywood Film Awards (Exclusive)

    8:00 am PDT 9/30/2013
    • Scott Feinberg
    Number of comments:

    Steve McQueen and Lupita Nyong'o will be recognized on Oct. 21 at the Beverly Hilton. READ MORE

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  19. Zurich Fest: Harvey Weinstein Hints at Oscars Gameplan

    Zurich Fest: Harvey Weinstein Hints at Oscars Gameplan

    2:48 pm PDT 9/29/2013
    • Scott Roxborough
    Number of comments:

    The exec explains why the studio held back "Grace of Monaco" and will be pushing "Fruitvale Station." He figured: "This is the most competitive season I've ever seen." READ MORE

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  20. New York Film Festival 2013: 13 Movies to Know

    New York Film Festival 2013: 13 Movies to Know

    12:07 pm PDT 9/27/2013
    • Hilary Lewis
    Number of comments:

    "Captain Phillips," "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "Her" and more titles set to screen at Lincoln Center. READ MORE

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Summary

A man living in mid-1800s New York is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the deep south.

Company Info

  • Fox Searchlight Pictures Domestic Theatrical Distributor
  • River Road Entertainment Production Company
  • Plan B Entertainment Production Company