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New York Times prints article on Solomon Northup
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Solomon Northup publishes book
It comes out soon after Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” is released. Book is reprinted several times in the 19th century but then falls out of print -
Historians update book
Historians Joseph Logdson and Sue Eakin study and document Northup’s book. Their annotated edition is published by Louisiana State University Press, shedding new light on his story and establishing its historic significance. -
Expanded book released
Eakin updates and expands the book after Logson’s death. She dies soon after at age 90 -
McQueen proposes film on slavery
Steve McQueen meets screenwriter John Ridley about his interest in making a film about "the slave era in America" with "a character that was not obvious in terms of their trade in slavery." McQueen’s wife finds Northup’s book. -
Brad Pitt gets on board
After being in development for some time, Brad Pitt's production company Plan B Entertainment backs the project ,and it gets some financing from various film studio. The film was officially announced. -
Filming finally begins
As a way to keep down production costs, a bulk of the filming took place around the greater New Orleans area. It concludes in seven weeks. -
E-book and audio book released
An e-book and audio book is released in Eakin's memory. -
Premieres begin
Film is shown Telluride Film Festival on August 30, 2013, followed by Sept. 6, 2013, Screening at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. -
And the nominees are ....
Film receives nine nominations, including Best Picture, supporting actress and actor, and director. -
A big Oscar winner
First movie from a black director to win the Academy Awards Best Picture, the film industry's highest honor in 86 years of the Oscars.
