Newham’s Chiwetel Ejiofor in Best Picture Oscar success

Newham’s talented Chiwetel Ejiofor helped 12 Years a Slave scoop the Best Picture Oscar on Sunday.

The film, which stars the Forest Gate-born actor in the lead role, claimed the prestigious gong at the 86th Academy Awards.

He could not add to the Best Actor BAFTA he won last month, losing out in the category to Matthew McConaughey for his portrayal of a HIV drug smuggler in Dallas Buyers Club.

Ejoifor’s co-star Lupita Nyong’o won the Best Supporting Actress award, while the film also scooped the Best Adapted Screenplay award.

Director Steve McQueen dedicated the Best Picture award to “all those people who have endured slavery”.