INSIDE EDITION was there as descendants of Solomon Northup gathered to see the film about their slave ancestor win Best Picture.
"And the Oscar goes to: 12 Years a Slave!” announced Will Smith.
It was a joyous moment for descendants of Solomon Northup, the man whose real-life story is told in 12 Years a Slave.
More than two dozen of Northup’s descendants gathered to watch the Oscar telecast at a theater in Geneva, New York, less than 200 miles from where Northup had lived as a free man prior to his kidnapping.
Members included Northup’s great-great-great-great granddaughter and his great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandson.
It was an evening of great emotion for the descendants. And they were not disappointed by the results. Lupita Nyong’o won Best Supporting Actress. Another moment of triumph for the descendants was the award for John Ridley for Best Adapted Screenplay.
There were hugs all around on this night of triumph for the movie about Solomon Northrop’s kidnapping and escape after twelve long years of slavery.
"Solomon would feel so blessed, so honored," said one of Northup’s descendants.
And though 12 Years a Slave copped three Oscars on this magical night, there was another group of winners, too: the descendants.
