According to the Hollywood Reporter, the writers behind 12 Years a Slave have won the USC Libraries Scripter Award.
Soloman Northup, who’s 1853 memoir is the base of the storyline, shares the honor with screenwriter John Ridley.
During his acceptance speech, Ridley choked up while acknowledging Northup and his descendants, some of whom were in attendance.
The Scripters award was established in 1988 to honor screenwriters and the original authors for the years most accomplished cinematic adaptation.
A 33-member selection committee chooses each year’s finalist; 12 Years a Slave beat out four other contenders.
The 26th annual USC Libraries Scripters Awards black-tie ceremony was held Saturday at USC.