"12 Years a Slave" Makes Its Basic Cable Premiere on BET Networks

BET Honors Black History Month with 2 New Specials

JAMIE FOXX, ROBERT DOWNEY JR., KERRY WASHINGTON, OCTAVIA SPENCER AND MORE ATTEND “ABFF AWARDS: A CELEBRATION OF HOLLYWOOD” AIRING ON BET AND CENTRIC, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD AT 8P/7C

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tune in Tuesday, February 23, 2016 as BET partners with American Black Film Festival (ABFF) to air “ABFF Awards: A Celebration of Hollywood” at 8P/7C. This first-ever televised award shows tributes film legends and TV’s hottest stars. Hosted by Mike Epps, the two-hour event honors Don Cheadle, Regina King, Ryan Coogler, Diahann Carroll and Will Packer for their achievements in entertainment. Don’t miss special appearances by Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr., Kerry Washington, Octavia Spencer, Loretta Devine, KeKe Palmer, Anthony Anderson and more!

2014 Best Picture Oscar Winner, “12 Years A Slave,” makes its basic cable premiere on BET Networks to wrap up Black History Month. The movie premieres Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. The film is based on an incredible 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 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 forever alters his life.

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