Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave” is one of this award season’s most anticipated films. But according to its star, Chiwetel Ejiofor, it might have never made it to theaters if it weren’t for Brad Pitt.
Speaking at the film’s Los Angeles premiere, the 36-year-old actor, who’s been mentioned as a Best Actor candidate since it premiered at the Telluride Film Festival, says that Pitt, who briefly appears in and helped produce the movie, deserves a lot of credit for the film getting made, according to E! News.
“I think the truth is we wouldn’t have been able to make this film without Brad Pitt, because of what he brings,” the actor said. “He’s a movie star. He’s a huge figure in this profession, in this industry.”
According to Ejiofor, Pitt was able to use his clout to garner support for the film it might not have received otherwise.
“It just goes to show what an individual could do when they have that kind of reach and they’re prepared to use it to support filmmakers,” the actor said. “I’m deeply grateful to him for allowing this film to be made.”
“12 Year a Slave” is based on the autobiography of Solomon Northup, a free man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Since its premiere, the film, which also stars Michael Fassbender, has been considered a front-runner for Best Picture.
The movie is in theaters on Friday.