Chiwetel Ejiofor says he is grateful for the Oscar buzz that is surrounding 12 Years A Slave but he doesn't want the anguish of the story to be dismissed.
Ejiofor takes on the role of Solomon Northup in Steve McQueen's new film; a free man who was tricked and sold into slavery.
Ever since the film surfaced on the festival circuit it has been tipped for Oscar success. But Ejiofor wants Northup's story to remain the focus.
Speaking to the Radio Times he said: "It's been very weird. Literally as soon as the film was screened, there was Oscar buzz, and that was very nice to hear.
"But part of me thought, 'Well, hang on - this is a reflection on a man's life over 12 years of unbelievable anguish. Can we really dismiss that so quickly and start to speculate about awards?' "
Ejiofor is in the mix for the Best Actor - Drama Golden Globe this weekend and has also picked up a Best Actor Bafta nomination this morning.
12 Years A Slave received ten nominations; including Best Picture and Best Director for McQueen.
The Oscar nominations are announced next week and the film and Ejiofor's performance look set to be in the mix.
12 Years A Slave is released 10th January.
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