A Century-Old Voice in Cinema
Founded in 1909, the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures (NBR) has a long and storied history deeply intertwined with the evolution of American cinema. The organization was originally established as a protest against the government’s attempt to censor the then-fledgling art form of motion pictures. Today, it operates as a non-profit organization comprised of a select group of filmmakers, academics, and film enthusiasts based in New York City. Its stated mission is to support films as both art and entertainment and to celebrate meritorious work in the medium. This unique composition—neither a critics’ circle nor an industry guild—gives its annual selections a distinct and often eclectic character.
The Starting Gun of Awards Season
In the modern era, the NBR is best known for its role as the unofficial kickoff to the highly competitive film awards season. Every year, typically in late November or early December, it becomes the first major awards body to announce its list of the year’s best films and performances. This announcement generates a significant amount of media attention and industry buzz, providing an initial boost to the films it honors. While its choices are not always aligned with the eventual Oscar winners, being named one of the NBR’s Top Ten Films or winning one of its major awards provides a crucial early endorsement that can shape the initial narrative of the awards race.
Awards and Recognition
The NBR’s awards structure is notable for its emphasis on celebrating a collection of films rather than just one. Its top honors include:
- Best Film
- A list of the Top Ten Films of the year (presented alphabetically)
- Awards for directing, acting, and screenwriting categories
- The NBR Freedom of Expression Award, given to a film that embodies democratic values and civil liberties.
The organization hosts an annual awards gala in New York City, which is a major, star-studded event that brings together the industry’s top talent to celebrate the honorees.