RATINGS: Cast & Crew

DOB: July 10, 1977

Background: Ejiofor was born in London to Nigerian parents. When he was just 11, he was involved in a car accident that killed his father and badly injured him. He began acting in school plays when he was 13 and joined the National Youth Theater.

Filmography: He made his debut in the 1996 TV movie "Deadly Voyage." He has also appeared in "Amistad" (1997), "Dirty Pretty Things" (2002), "Love Actually" (2003), "Melinda and Melinda" (2004), "Four Brothers" (2005), "Serenity" (2005), "Kinky Boots" (2005), "Inside Man" (2006), "Children of Men" (2006), "Talk to Me" (2007), "American Gangster" (2007), and starred in the TV movie "Tsunami: The Aftermath" (2006). His latest role is his leading turn in director Steve McQueen's "Twelve Years a Slave."

European Film Awards: Nomination - Best Actor ("Dirty Pretty Things," 2002)

Golden Globe Awards:

Best Musical/Comedy Actor nomination:
- "Kinky Boots" (2006); lost to Sacha Baron Cohen ("Borat")

Best Movie/Mini TV Actor nominations:
- "Endgame" (2009); lost to Kevin Bacon ("Taking Chance")
- "Tsunami: The Aftermath" (2006); lost to Bill Nighy ("Gideon's Daughter")

Independent Spirit Awards: Win - Best Supporting Male ("Talk to Me," 2007)

SAG Awards: Nomination - Best Film Ensemble ("American Gangster," 2007)