What Entertained Us in 2013? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Steve McQueen

Based on a true life story, the film starred Chiwetel Ejiofor as the free black man sold into slavery. As you may have worked out, it took him twelve years to obtain his freedom again. The film was nominated for several Academy Awards and won the ones for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Lupita Nyong'o) and Best Adapted Screenplay (John Ridley).

The two Steve McQueens have little in common, with the director being a black British man, while the actor was a white American. '12 Years a Slave' was only the third film for the director, with his previous work including 'Hunger' (2008) and 'Shame' (2011). Among the actor's best known films is 'The Great Escape' (1963), which is where the photo hint was directing you.

Answer: One Direction

Often referred to as 1D, the band came to public attention during the 2010 series of 'The X Factor'. Although One Direction made the final, the series was won by Matt Cardle. The band has gone from strength to strength, with 'Midnight Memories' being their third album release. All four of the albums released from 2010 to 2014 inclusive reached the top of the charts in numerous countries.

The other bands listed are all popular 'boy bands'.

The photo was intended to point you (literally) towards the correct answer.

Answer: Grand Theft Auto

The 'Grand Theft Auto' series began in 1997, with various other versions released regularly thereafter. 'Grand Theft Auto V' was the first new release for around five years and was extremely successful. The series, published by Rockstar Games, has been controversial due to the themes, but that hasn't stopped the games being among the most popular of video games. Who knows, the controversy may even have helped, but that would be a cynical viewpoint...

The picture of a thief might have helped you pick the right answer, if you didn't know it instantly.

Answer: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

The books began as an online series in 2004, with the first 'proper' book being published in 2007. Further stories in the series have been published every year since, up to and including 2014, with the tenth, named 'Old School', scheduled for release in November 2015 at the time of writing of this quiz. The stories cover the adventures, and misadventures, of Greg Heffley, his best friend and Greg's relationships with other members of his family.

'A Series of Unfortunate Events' is a book series by Daniel Handler, using the pen name Lemony Snicket. The 'Nancy Drew Mysteries' were created by various authors using the name of Carolyn Keene while Rick Riordan wrote about Percy Jackson.

The hamburger clue was inspired by the Wimpy chain of fast food outlets.

Answer: Jim Morrison

The Doors got together in Los Angeles, with Robby Krieger and John Densmore being the other two original members. Jim Morrison died in Paris, where he is also buried, and he is a member of the so-called '27 Club' of musicians who died at that age. Manzarek was particularly known for his skills as a keyboard player and continued to perform both as a solo artist and in various bands. His death was caused by a rare cancer.

The picture clue? Do you really need an explanation?

Answer: Atlantis

The series featured Jack Donnelly as Jason, Robert Emms as Pythagoras (yes, that one) and Mark Addy as a rather cowardly Hercules. Although the names came from Greek mythology, the story lines were only loosely based on the well known stories. Jason married Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete, for example. After two series, the BBC pulled the plug, with the final episode being shown in the UK in May 2015.

If the 'sank without trace' clue in the question didn't help, perhaps the sinking house in the photo might have pointed you towards the island of Atlantis, lost forever beneath the waves.

Answer: Oprah Winfrey

Armstrong had been the subject of long standing rumours about doping, which he had always strenuously denied. He had won the prestigious Tour de France for seven years in a row, from 1999 until 2005, with his reputation further enhanced since he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996. In January 2013, he told Oprah Winfrey that the accusations of doping were true, and that he had won all his Tour de France races while using various illegal methods. Consequently, Armstrong's titles were removed.

The photo clue is of purple flowers, as a nod to Oprah's appearance in the film 'The Color Purple' in 1985.

Answer: Blurred Lines

The song was heavily influenced by a Marvin Gaye composition named 'Got to Give it Up', with Thicke and Williams being sued for, and found guilty of, copyright infringement. The song was a huge success, spending several weeks at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and being equally popular in many other countries.

All the other titles have musical connections. 'Parallel Lines' was a 1978 album by Blondie, while 'London Calling' was recorded by The Clash and Ralph McTell sang 'Streets of London'.

The photo was meant to indicate blurry lines, rather than London.

Answer: Man of Steel

The film was the first to feature Cavill as Superman, and covers his early years with his adoptive parents, who name him Clark Kent. Kevin Costner plays the role of Jonathan Kent, with Amy Adams portraying Lois Lane and Laurence Fishburne as Perry White. The 'DC Extended Universe' franchise has plans to make films featuring many of the superheroes who originally appeared in the DC Comics. All the red herrings are real films, but do not fit the other clues.

The picture clue features a steel wall to help you pick the right metal.

Answer: Denmark

By tradition, the contest is held each year in the country represented by the previous year's winner. Since the 2012 contest was won by Sweden, with Loreen singing 'Euphoria', the 2013 finals were hosted by Malmo. Forest's song was reasonably successful, reaching the singles charts in several countries around Europe. Most songs are forgotten quickly - only ABBA with 'Waterloo' can claim to have been launched to fame by the contest.

The picture is of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen harbour.