The non-profit organization is composed of filmmakers, professionals, academics, and film enthusiasts dedicated to honoring the best in the industry.
The National Board of Review (NBR) has been around since 1909, supporting the art of cinema. According to the organization’s website, it has helped launch various films into “the larger awards conversation,” starting with an annual gala.
The NBR also values new talent, offering awards for directorial debuts and breakthrough performances.
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While the 95th ceremony’s awards were announced last year in December, the gala took place on January 11, 2024. Here are the films and performances that were honored at the organization’s 95th ceremony, along with the A-list names in attendance.
Eye-catching Fashion
Anne Hathaway, Elizabeth Olsen, and Jessica Chastain attended the gala to present awards to their colleagues in the film industry.
Hathaway walked the red carpet in a black embroidered Giorgio Armani gown. According to Page Six, the actress accessorized with diamond earrings and a bracelet from Bulgari.
Meanwhile, Olsen went with a cropped tweed jacket and black satin skirt from Thom Browne. Chastain brought some color to the event with her purple strapless Vivienne Westwood gown.
Big Winners
Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon won the award for Best Film at the gala. Other nominees include Barbie, The Boy and the Heron, Ferrari, The Holdovers, The Iron Claw, Maestro, Oppenheimer, Past Lives, and Poor Things.
The film was the night’s big winner, as Scorsese was honored as Best Director and the film’s star Lily Gladstone won Best Actress. Meanwhile, Paul Giamatti won Best Actor for his role in The Holdovers and his co-star Da’Vine Joy Randolph won Best Supporting Actress. Mark Ruffalo received the Best Supporting Actor award for Poor Things.
Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall, which won the Palme d’Or at last year’s Cannes, received the award for Best International Film. Chastain presented the director with the award then continued praising the film on Instagram, where she wrote “ANATOMY OF A FALL is a film that comes around once in a great while — one that takes your breath away. It is electric and authentic, and a true testament to the talent of its visionary director, the brilliant Justine Triet.”
As recognition for new and young talent, the organization gave the award for Best Directorial Debut to Celine Song for her film Past Lives. The film follows two childhood friends who reunite in New York after being separated for two decades.
“I’m so grateful that I’m able to come to events like this. The fact that I get to share the movie every day in a bigger and bigger space is just a wonderful thing,” the director said in her speech, according to WWD.
Honoring Icons
Bradley Cooper has been active this awards season for the film Maestro and received NBR’s Icon Award. Cooper, who portrays Leonard Bernstein, also directed and co-wrote the film.
Hathaway presented the award to the actor, saying “Bradley and I became friends during the pandemic when he invited my family over for pizza—which I have to mention, he made himself,” and adding that he “can’t help but effortlessly electrify a room, as only the greatest movie stars can.”
Another highlight during the gala was definitely Scorsese’s win. Actor Daniel Day-Lewis came out of retirement just to present the award for Best Director. “Thank you, Daniel. To receive this honor presented by Daniel is just an honor in itself,” Scorsese said as he accepted the award.
“We did two films together and it’s one of the greatest experiences of my life, I must say. Maybe there’s time for one more. Maybe! He’s the best.”
In 2017, Variety reported that Day-Lewis was retiring from acting. Recalling his career, the actor said that working with Scorsese has been “one of the greatest joys” of his life.
“I’m grateful to the National Board of Review for so justly recognizing the supreme, inimitable artistry of this man. To every person who works in the crucible of the imagination, he is a living treasure as a man and as a filmmaker I love and revere,” Day-Lewis said.
The NBR also established a new category this year, honoring the often unsung heroes that are stunt artists. All in all, the gala was a celebration of the past year’s excellent films, the people behind them, and the collaborations that make it all possible.
Banner image via Instagram @nbrfilm.
