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John Ridley

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description John Ridley Overview

John Ridley is an American screenwriter, director, and novelist recognized for his work across film and television. He won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2014 ceremony for writing "12 Years a Slave," based on the 1853 memoir by Solomon Northup. Beyond his film work, Ridley created and showran the anthology television series "American Crime," receiving multiple Emmy nominations for his contributions to broadcasting. He is also an established novelist and comic book author, having written for publishers like DC Comics and Marvel.

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What source did John Ridley adapt for 12 Years a Slave?

Ridley adapted Solomon Northup's 1853 memoir about being kidnapped and enslaved despite having lived as a free man in New York. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Northup in the film directed by Steve McQueen.

Which Academy Award did John Ridley receive for 12 Years a Slave?

Ridley won Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2014 Academy Awards ceremony. The film also won Best Picture, and Lupita Nyong'o received Best Supporting Actress for playing Patsey.

Did John Ridley create the television series American Crime?

Yes, Ridley created the ABC anthology series American Crime. Each season used several recurring actors in new roles to explore crime alongside race, class, immigration, and the justice system.

What is John Ridley's film Jimi: All Is by My Side about?

The film dramatizes a period in Jimi Hendrix's life before his breakthrough at the Monterey Pop Festival. Ridley wrote and directed it, with Andre Benjamin playing Hendrix.