Ealing's Steve McQueen picks up best film Oscar

From humble beginnings to Oscar stardom.

Ealing born Steve McQueen accepted the top film award for best picture for his '12 Years a Slave' last night and dedicated it to '"all those people who have endured slavery".

He said ''Everyone deserves not just to survive, but to live," he said. "This is the most important legacy of Solomon Northup."

The 44 year old film maker who grew up 'near Ealing Studios', and went from Drayton Manor school to study at Ealing Hammersmith and West London college, has already won a BAFTA for his highly praised portrayal of slavery in 19th century America.

Last night he missed out on the Oscar for best director to Gravity's Alfonso Cuarón, but his movie still walked away with other top gongs - best supporting actress ( Lupita Nyong'o) and best adapted screenplay. Earlier in the evening 12 Years A Slave swept the board at the Independent Spirit Awards and McQueen was recognised as best director.

Producer Brad Pitt praised "the indomitable Mr McQueen" - for "bringing them all together" to tell Northup's story.

McQueen jumped for joy when his film was announced for the prized Oscar and said backstage "Everyone saw me jump but truly I am so ecstatic, I'm so happy for us all, it's one of those moments in life that might never happen again but you're living it, you're there, and it might never happen again so emotions just take over."

Locals have been taking to twitter to offer congratulations to our local hero.

@TheGawBoy informs us that the director's dad used to work locally on the cabs:

@ealingtodaycouk Congrats to Ealing boy #SteveMcQueen on his #Oscars2014 success. His dad was a lovely guy who drove for South Ealing cabs.

Congratulations Steve!

Oscar Winners

Best Picture: Winner: 12 Years a Slave

Best Directr: Winner: Alfonso Cuaron - Gravity

Best Actor: Winner: Matthew McConaughey - Dallas Buyers Club

Best Actress: Winner: Cate Blanchett - Blue Jasmine

Best Supporting Actor: Winner: Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

Best Supporting Actress: Winner: Lupita Nyong'o - 12 Years a Slave

Best Adapted Screenplay: Winner: 12 Years a Slave

See McQueen's jump for joy - and winners in full

Were you happy with the results?

3rd March 2014