Fox's '12 Years a Slave' Receives Human Rights First Award
At its annual awards dinner in New York City Wednesday night, the nonprofit organization Human Rights First awarded the Fox Searchlight film 12 Years a Slave with the Sidney Lumet Award for Integrity in Entertainment. The organization cited the film's depiction of "the devastating effect of slavery on the human soul" as a key reason for recognition.
"Great works of art have the power not only to entertain, but to inspire action that can change lives. This extraordinary film is not only a powerful reminder of a painful part of our nation's history; it is a call to action to combat the evil of slavery in our midst today," said Elisa Massimino, President and CEO of Human Rights First. "We are proud to honor this courageous, honest, and thought-provoking film."
Actress Alfre Woodward, who played the role of Mistress Shaw in the film, was on hand to accept the award, and she also performed "Ain't I a Woman?" a famous speech given by Sojourner Truth, who was born into slavery in New York in 1797.
