4. 12 Years A Slave
What Is It: 12 Years A Slave is a drama based upon the autobiography of Solomon Northup, kidnapped and sold into slavery by double crossing circus promoters offering him a job of enticing pay.
Why It Could Win Awards: Steve McQueen is admittedly an anti-Hollywood auteur. His previous films Hunger and Shame are very tough to watch often feeling mighty transgressive although brilliant nonetheless. The difference between something like Shame (an NC-17 rated film about sex addiction starring Michael Fassbender) and 12 Years A Slave is that the Academy loves uplifting films depicting harsh circumstances such as slavery and an uphill struggle against oppression. The recently revealed trailer is also gripping and an impressive representation of the 1800's. The cast is pretty stacked too as Michael Fassbender teams up with McQueen yet again. It is Chiwetel Ejiofor though playing slave Solomon Northup convincingly that gauging from the trailer looks like an Oscar contender. A supporting cast including Brad Pitt and Benedict Cumberbatch is just icing on the cake. The film was also slated for a December release but based on strong reception of positive test screenings has been pushed forward to October.