Oscars 2014: 12 Years a Slave wins Best Picture

12 Years a Slave won the Best Picture Oscar at last night’s glittering Academy Awards ceremony.

Steve McQueen’s slavery drama about Solomon Northup held off stiff competition from Gravity to take home the coveted prize.

Producer Brad Pitt was the first to step forward to the podium following the win — Producer Brad Pitt was the first to step up to thank the Academy

“Thank you for this incredible honour you’ve bestowed on our film tonight. I know I speak for everyone when I say it’s been a privilege to work on Solomon’s story, and we all stand here because of the indomitable Steve McQueen,” beamed Producer Brad Pitt.

“Thank you so much to the Academy, to Brad Pitt, without him, this film would not have been made,” said Director Steve McQueen.

Director Steve McQueen accepted the Best Picture award for 12 Years a Slave — Director Steve McQueen

“To all the women in my life, they’re all women and they’re so powerful – my mother obviously. I’d like to thank the amazing historian, Sue Aiken, who gave her life’s work to preserving Solomon’s book.

“And everyone deserves not just to survive but to live. This is the most important legacy of Solomon Northup. I dedicate this award to all who have endured slavery and to the 21 million people who still suffer slavery today. Thank you.”