A drama project at ABC has added two cast members, on the heels of a big night at the Oscars for the show’s writer and executive producer.

Deadline.com reports that the network’s pilot “American Crime,” which is written and executive produced by “12 Years a Slave” writer John Ridley, has cast “The Shield” actor Benito Martinez and “Deadwood’s" W. Earl Brown."

The project “centers on the racially charged murder of a war veteran and the subsequent trial, which are examined through the personal lives of the players involved,” the story notes.

Martinez will portray a widower named Alonzo, whose son is accused of the crime. The actor is slated for an arc on “House of Cards” and had a recurring role on “Sons of Anarchy.” Brown, meanwhile, will portray the father of Lily, the wife of the murdered veteran, the story says.

Ridley won an Oscar for his screenplay for “12 Years a Slave” during Sunday’s Academy Awards presentation.

Benito Martinez