Nigerian-Born Chiwetel Ejiofor Shines at the British Academy Films Award (BAFTAS) as the Best Actor for his Role 12 Years a Slave.

                                                                                                                       Chiwetel Ejiofor

Nigerian-Born Chiwetel Ejiofor Shines  at the British Academy Films Award (BAFTAS) as the Best Actor for his Role 12 Years a Slave.

Chiwetel Ejiofor won best actor for 12 Years a Slave, Gravity dominated the Bafta awards, scooping six prizes, while 12 Years a Slave won the coveted best film honour.

The space drama was named best British film and picked up other prizes for visual effects, cinematography, best sound and original music, while Alfonso Cuaron won best director.

Nigerian-British star Chiwetel Ejiofor collected the best actor Bafta for his role as Solomon Northup in 12 Years a Slave. While Cate Blanchett was named best actress for Blue Jasmine.

British director Steve McQueen collected the best film trophy for 12 Years a Slave, and thanked his "one and only mother for having the faith - never give up".Ejiofor, who was nominated for the Bafta rising star award seven years ago, accepted his award from US actress Uma Thurman.

He said he was "so deeply honoured and privileged to receive it", thanking McQueen for his "artistry and passion".

He joked: "This is yours, by the way, I know that, you know that. I'm going to keep it but it's yours".