Africa has made a strong showing at this year's Academy Awards. The brutal depiction of slavery in 12 Years a Slave secured a best actress nomination for Kenyan actress and director Lupita Nyong'o, who made her US debut in the film. Nyong'o says she feels honoured to have been part the powerful movie. British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, who was born to Nigerian parents, received a best-actor nomination for his leading role in the film. Ejiofor's performances has been described as extraordinary by critics. Somali-born newcomer Barkhad Abdi received a best supporting actor nomination for his role as a pirate in Captain Phillips. The role has pushed him into the spotlight, but Abdi is just hoping the movie sheds some light on the circumstances that drive Somali pirates. The Academy Awards will be held on 2 March in Los Angeles.

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