By Isseu Diouf Campbell
A very emotional Lupita Nyong’o accepted the award for Best supporting actress at the Critics’ Choice Awards on January 16, 2014 in Santa Monica.
“Being part of 12 years a slave has been one of the most profound experience of my life and I could not be standing here hadn’t been for Northup and his passion for freedom…” Nyong’o said.
The Kenyan actress who played Pastey in the adaptation of Solomon Northup’s memoir “12 years a slave” was in competition with Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Lawrence, Julia Roberts, June Squibb and Oprah Winfrey.
Before leaving the stage, the actress dedicated the award to her late uncle and pathologist Pr. Aggrey Nyong’o.
“I would like to dedicate this award to my uncle Aggrey Nyong’o who always came to watch every single play I was in and on one of the last performances he saw me in he said: “you are good but let’s see what Hollywood thinks of you.” He didn’t live to see this day, but I’m sure he is proud of me,” the actress added.
Director Steve McQueen also won Best Picture and John Ridley, Best adapted screenplay.
Photos: Broadcast Film Critics Association
