It's a photo that paints a picture of an idyllically happy family life. Chiwetel Ejiofor, now a Hollywood star and a strong contender for the Best Actor Oscar tonight, beams broadly as he hugs his little sister on the stairs of their London home. But just months after this snap was taken, Chiwetel’s life was hit by tragedy when his father was killed in a car crash, which almost claimed his young life, too. Idyllic family life: Chiwetel Ejiofor, (right) now a Hollywood star and a strong contender for the Best Actor Oscar tonight, beams broadly as he hugs his little sister on the stairs of their London home. But just months later, Chiwetel's life was hit by tragedy when his father was killed in a car crash
@highlight
Chiwetel Ejiofor's life was turned upside down when his father was killed
@highlight
Arinze Ejiofor died in a car crash in his native Nigeria in 1998 - Chiwetel was the sole survivor of the accident
@highlight
His sister Zain said she believes the death of their father inspired her actor brother to 'make the most' of his life and follow his Oscar dream
@highlight
Zain will sit beside Chiwetel at the Dolby Theatre tonight for the 86th Academy Awards where he is up for the Best Actor gong
@highlight
She said: 'It's such a shame our father is not alive to see how well Chiwetel has done'
Siblings: Chiwetel and his sister Zain pictured at a @placeholder event