'12 Years a Slave' Wins Golden Globe

Based on the true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was shipped from upstate New York to Louisiana and forced into slavery, “12 Years a Slave” is one of the favorites on this year’s movie award circuit. Produced by Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment and shot at St. Joseph Plantation outside New Orleans, the film took home “Best Motion Picture” in the drama category at last night’s Golden Globes. Pitt wasn’t present, but stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, who plays Solomon, and Lupita Nyong’o, who plays slave Patsey and was a fashion favorite of the night in a red gown with a cape, represented, although they didn’t win awards themselves. Director Steven McQueen was also present.

Oscar nominations come out on Thursday, and “12 Years a Slave” is expected to receive a few there as well. Described as “a powerful, stunning film — perhaps the finest ever made on the moral travesty of American slavery” by Mother Jones, the preservation of Northup’s story can be credited in part to Bunkie, Louisiana, native Dr. Sue Eakin, who made it her life’s work to keep his memoir in circulation. Her son, Frank, made his mother’s archives and papers accessible to the filmmakers and has also published an audiobook of the story read by Lou Gossett Jr. Find out more about the woman behind 12 Years a Slave here.

Also taking home awards last night were Texas-born Matthew McConaughey and Louisiana-born Jared Leto for “Dallas Buyers Club” and Kentucky native Jennifer Lawrence for “American Hustle.” See the full list of Golden Globe winners here.