VIDEO: Steve McQueen Responds to 12 YEARS A SLAVE Critics on ARSENIO HALL

On the heels of his first Oscar nomination, director Steve McQueen joined Arsenio Hall last night on the couch. The "12 Years A Slave" director took the opportunity to respond to critiques made by recently ousted New York Film Critics member, Armond White. Watch his interview below!

12 YEARS A SLAVE opened domestically on October 18 and has grossed over $35 million, making it the most successful English-language specialty platform release of the year.

12 YEARS A SLAVE is based on a true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender) as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) forever alters his life.

The film is directed by Steve McQueen (HUNGER) and written by John Ridley (RED TAILS). Producers are Brad Pitt (MONEYBALL), Dede Gardner (EAT, PRAY LOVE), Jeremy Kleiner (WORLD WAR Z), Bill Pohlad (THE TREE OF LIFE), Steve McQueen (SHAME), Arnon Milchan (L.A. CONFIDENTIAL) and Anthony Katagas (KILLING THEM SOFTLY); executive producers are Tessa Ross (SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE) and John Ridley. The filmmaking team includes director of photography Sean Bobbitt, BSC (HUNGER; SHAME); production designer Adam Stockhausen (MOONRISE KINGDOM); editor Joe Walker (HUNGER; SHAME); Academy Award nominated costume designer Patricia Norris (THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD) and Academy Award winning composer Hans Zimmer (DRIVING MISS DAISY).

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Video courtesy The Arsenio Hall Show / Courtesy CBS Television Distribution.