NEW YORK, NY (SMI-GLOBAL-ENTERTAINMENT AWARD JAN 07, 2025)

The National Board of Review (NBR) celebrated its annual NBR Award Gala last evening Tuesday Jan. 07, awarding its honorees in 18-categories in support of the arts in cinema from the 2024 Calendar-year,  during an award ceremony and elegant dining at renowned Cipriani's-42nd Street in the Heart of New York City.

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The awards gala was hosted by Willie Geist (Host, NBC News’ Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist and co-host, MSNBC’s Morning Joe) and presenters in the event included: Christine Baranski, Dan Cogan, Sofia Coppola, Robert Eggers, Jesse Eisenberg, Liz Garbus, Luca Gaudagnino, Carol Kane, Lin- Manuel Miranda, Craig Melvin, Arian Moayed, Robert Pattinson, Ryan Reynolds, Liev Schrieber, Drew Starkey, Michelle Yeoh and others.

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The top awards included Wicked for Best Film; Jon M. Chu for Best Director for Wicked; Daniel Craig for Best Actor for Queer; and Nicole Kidman for Best Actress for Babygirl. This year, the NBR presented the NBR Spotlight Award to Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande for their creative collaboration in Wicked.

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​​Established in 1909, the NBR recognizes excellence in filmmaking. This year, 246 films were viewed by a select group of film enthusiasts, filmmakers, professionals, academics, and students, many of which were followed by in- depth discussions with directors, actors, producers, and screenwriters. 

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​Below is a full list of the 2024 award recipients or winners announced by the National Board of Review:

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Best Film: Wicked

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Best Director: John M. Chu , Wicked

 

Best Actor: Daniel Craig, Queer

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Best Actress: Nicole Kidman, Babygirl

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Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain

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Best Supporting Actress: Elle Fanning , A Complete Unknown 

 

​Best Original Screenplay: Mike Leigh, Hard Truths

 

Best Adapted Screenplay: Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar, "Sing Sing "

 

Breakthrough Performance: Teyana Taylor, A Thousand and One

 

Best Directorial Debut: India Donaldson , Good One

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Best Animated Feature: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

 

Best International Film: Flow

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Best Documentary: Sugarcane

 

Best Ensemble: Conclave:Ralph Fiennes, John Lighgow, & Isabella Rossellini

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Outstanding Achievement in Stunt Artistry:

Furiosa : A Mad Max Saga

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Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography:

Karin Blaschke, "Nosferatu"

 

NBR Freedom of Expression Award: No Other Land

 

NBR Spotlight Award: Wicked :Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande

 

**Article & Photos By Marcello Cutti II/Starlight Illustrated