NBR Awards

The National Board of Review Awards are accolades presented annually by the National Board of Review, a prestigious non-profit organization composed of film enthusiasts, academics, and professionals from the motion picture industry. These awards are among the first major honors of the film awards season, often serving as an early indicator of potential frontrunners for other major awards like the Oscars.

Founded in 1909, the National Board of Review has a long history of celebrating outstanding achievements in cinema. The event has grown to be a respected occasion in the film community, with awards recognizing excellence across various categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Ensemble.

The significance of the National Board of Review Awards lies in its comprehensive and discerning evaluation process. Each year, a committee of knowledgeable film enthusiasts and industry professionals rigorously screens and evaluates the year's film releases. Through a series of discussions and debates, the committee members vote to determine the winners in each category. This process reflects the organization's commitment to honoring cinematic innovation, artistic vision, and compelling storytelling.

In addition to the main categories, the National Board of Review presents special awards. The Spotlight Award honors outstanding performances in breakthrough roles, thereby recognizing the emergence of new talents. Meanwhile, the Freedom of Expression Award celebrates films that address crucial social or political issues, highlighting the power of cinema to inspire change and foster dialogue.