Introducing the leading man... and his lady: Chiwetel Ejiofor attends an exclusive screening and Q&A for new film 12 Years A Slave with girlfriend Sari Mercer

PUBLISHED: 04:05 EST, 15 October 2013 | UPDATED: 07:51 EST, 15 October 2013

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Monday evening saw Los Angeles play host to an official screening of 12 Years A Slave – but while Brad Pitt and Michael Fassbender were not in attendance, leading man Chiwetel Ejiofor was, accompanied by his stunning girlfriend.

The 36-year-old actor was making an appearance at the Directors Guild Of America, where the latest film from British director Steve McQueen was getting a much anticipated screening, Q&A and reception.

The movie - a cinematic account of the autobiography by Soloman Northrup, a freed black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery – has already won rave reviews following screenings at the Telluride and New York Film Festivals.

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Leading man: Chiwetel Ejiofor attends a screening and Q&A; for new film 12 Years A Slave at the Directors Guild of America with girlfriend Sari Mercer

It received an equally warm reception following its first LA screening for assorted members of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences at the city’s 1,000-capacity Samuel Goldwyn Theatre on Sunday evening during what marked the start of a big week for the new film.

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Arriving for a second screening and Q&A on Monday, London born Chiwetel – Soloman in the movie – was in high-spirits after taking to the red carpet with partner Sari Mercer.

The couple cheerfully posed for photos outside the venue, with the leading man looking dapper in a smart three-piece suit as he wrapped an arm around his girlfriend’s waist.

Happy couple: Chiwetel Ejiofor, who plays slave Solomon Northup in the new film, wraps an arm around girlfriend Sari's waist

Stepping out: Jacqueline Bisset (L) and Kelsey Scott (R) attend the Monday night screening of 12 Years A Slave

Plenty to smile about: Chiwetel Ejiofor was centre of attention on the red carpet on Monday evening at an official reception for his latest film

Sari looked stunning in a semi-sheer mini-dress and strappy heels during a rare public outing, while her flame red hair appeared to compliment her porcelain skin tone.

But while Chitewel was on hand for the Q&A, Michael Fassbender – a McQueen favourite having previously worked with the director on Hunger and Shame - was absent.

So too was Brad Pitt – currently on location in the UK while he shoots war movie Fury.

12 Years A Slave: The story that will torment America's soul

Incoming: Ming-Na Wen (L) and Ashley Dyke (R) also turned up for the 12 Years A Slave screening in Los Angeles

Incoming: Ming-Na Wen (L) and Ashley Dyke (R) make an appearance at the 12 Years A Slave screening

That's a rap: Common (L) and Russell Simmons (R) also turned out for the screening of Steve McQueen's new film

Making an entrance: Storm Reid (L) and Lupita Nyong'o (R) stand out after arriving for the screening on Monday evening

Chitewel had previously spoken about his ease in terms of relating to the historical subject matter.

‘My heritage is that I’m Nigerian, and hundreds of thousands of Igbo from the east were taken out of Nigeria and brought around the globe, but specifically to Louisiana and the south of America, so I feel connected the experience,’ he told Salon.

‘I feel connected to the history, to the reality of it. I feel that once we – if we’re constantly trying to separate each other then we’re missing the point.

‘I didn’t feel that there was something illegitimate about me telling that story, in my own background or in my own heart.

‘If I did I wouldn’t have done it. And I don’t think Steve would have directed it.’

Lookalikes: Gloria Govan and Laura Govan were amongst the special guests at the Directors Guild Of America

A good looking pair: Gregory Michael (L) and Michelle Hurd (R) celebrated the launch of 12 Years A Slave at an exclusive screening, Q&A and reception

Here we go: Lou Gossett Jr. & Robert Gossett make an appearance on Sunday night

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Elle, Birmingham, 1 hour ago

Storm Reid looks adorable.

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Ignatius Reilly, New Orleans, United Kingdom, 1 hour ago

Jacqueline Bisset still looks very good. She is indeed much woman.

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bar, notts, 2 hours ago

I noticed him first in 'Dirty Pretty Things' and also thought he would go far.

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brainboXX, Via Port Harcourt, United Kingdom, 2 hours ago

Kelsey Scott is a very pretty girl.

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WarpCore Breach, London, United Kingdom, 2 hours ago

Ming-Na ( 6th photo down ) looks incredible. Can't believe she is 51! She looks to be around 30!

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J.S., London, United Kingdom, 3 hours ago

Beautiful couple, lucky Sari! Chiwetel's smile lights up the world.

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Emily, New York, 3 hours ago

It's true, everyone does look good, which makes a change. Storm is adorable, Lupita is stunning (I love that dress on her) and it's so nice to see Lou Gossett Jr. again!