“12 Years A Slave” screenwriter John Ridley named feature film winner of Humanitas Prize

Ridley was awarded the Humanitas Prizes, which honor writers whose work "explores the human condition"and inspires "compassion, hope and understanding in the human family." (Courtesy Photo) — Ridley was awarded the Humanitas Prizes, which honor writers whose work “explores the human condition”and inspires “compassion, hope and understanding in the human family.” (Courtesy Photo)

John Ridley, screenwriter of last year’s Oscar- winning “12 Years A Slave,” was named Friday the feature film winner of the Humanitas Prizes, which honor writers whose work “explores the human condition” in a manner that inspires “compassion, hope and understanding in the human family.”

“Whiplash” writer Damien Chazelle was honored in the Sundance feature film category, while Ben Cotner and Ryan White were the winners in the documentary category for “The Case Against 8,” which chronicled the battle to overturn California’s ban on same-sex marriage.

Larry Kramer won in the 90-minute category for the HBO film “The Normal Heart,” focused on the AIDS crisis in New York.

In the 60-minute category, the award went to Alex Gansa and Meredith Stiehm for an episode of “Homeland,” while Elaine Ko won in the 30-minute category for an episode of “Modern Family.”