12 Years a Slave is a historical drama film directed by Steve McQueen. It is based on the memoir of Solomon Northup, a free African-American man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the antebellum United States. The film depicts Northup's harrowing experiences as a slave and explores themes of race, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit. 12 Years a Slave won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.