Motivation of the jury: "This award goes to a director who is in complete control of his chosen ... More

Motivation of the jury: "This award goes to a director who is in complete control of his chosen mode of expression. The film succeeds at being at the same time both epic and personal. All too often a director can overshadow their own film, but here is someone whose presence doesn't force itself onto the film, but which still shines through in each editorial choice he has made. Quite apart from the beautiful craftsmanship, this film is uniquely courageous. The unexpected duration of certain close-ups never feels self-serving, as each shot contributes to the film as a whole creating the unique feeling and aura of 12 Years a Slave."