Steve McQueen with his Best Film Bafta for 12 Years A Slave
Steve McQueen with his Best Film Bafta for 12 Years A Slave

West London born director Steve McQueen reaped a Bafta for his real-life brutal depiction of slavery.

The award for Best Film went to 12 Years A Slave, which tells the story of a free man sold into slavery in America’s Deep South in the 19th century, at last night’s (February 16) ceremony.

Mr McQueen, who attended Drayton Manor High School in Hanwell as a youngster, portrays the shocking horrors of slavery against the extent of human resilience.

The director, who went on to study art at Hammersmith and West London College, said: “Thank you, Mummy for everything, never give up.”

A spokesperson from Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College said: “It is always a huge pleasure to watch our students achieve in their chosen careers and Steve has been, even before this outstanding achievement, remarkably successful.

“As an alumnus of the college Steve joins a list of talented individuals whose success is a testament to the vibrancy and creativity of the young people of West London. We will be keeping our fingers crossed for the Oscars.”

The hit film’s lead Chiwetel Ejiofor also won Best Actor for his role as Solomon Northup. He gave emotional thanks to his mother and late father who was killed in a car crash more than 20 years ago.

And the West London connection continued at the Baftas as Yiewsley born screenwriter Jeff Pope picked up the Best Adapted Screenplay award for Philomena.