National Board of Review Announces 2024 Awards: Wicked Takes Top Honors

The National Board of Review (NBR) has revealed its honorees for 2024, with Jon M. Chu’s musical sensation Wickedtaking home Best Film. The much-anticipated film adaptation also earned Jon M. Chu the Best Director title and saw Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande recognized for their creative collaboration with the NBR Spotlight Award.

The NBR’s choice to honor Wicked highlights its enchanting blend of magic, music, and powerful performances. NBR President Annie Schulhof praised the film, stating, “Wicked represents the pure magic that movies can bring to audiences. Every detail is beautifully crafted and designed, the actors are all exceptional, and the music is second-to-none – together it adds up to a transporting experience like no other. The NBR is proud to honor director Jon M. Chu and his remarkable cinematic vision.”

The annual NBR Awards Gala will be hosted by Willie Geist of NBC News’ Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist and MSNBC’s Morning Joe on January 7, 2025, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. This year, the gala promises a star-studded evening celebrating the best of cinema across numerous categories, from acting to stunt artistry.

Wicked wasn’t the only standout of the year. Daniel Craig took home Best Actor for his role in Queer, and Nicole Kidman earned Best Actress for her compelling performance in Babygirl. Kieran Culkin was recognized as Best Supporting Actor for his work in A Real Pain, while Elle Fanning won Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal in A Complete Unknown. Meanwhile, Conclave was honored with Best Ensemble.

This year’s Breakthrough Performance award went to Mikey Madison for her role in Anora, while India Donaldson received Best Directorial Debut for Good One. The NBR also honored Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar with Best Adapted Screenplay for Sing Sing, and Mike Leigh received Best Original Screenplay for Hard Truths.

Best Film: Wicked

Best Director: Jon M. Chu, Wicked

Best Actor: Daniel Craig, Queer

Best Actress: Nicole Kidman, Babygirl

Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain

Best Supporting Actress: Elle Fanning, A Complete Unknown

Best Ensemble: Conclave

Breakthrough Performance: Mikey Madison, Anora

Best Directorial Debut: India Donaldson, Good One

Best Original Screenplay: Mike Leigh, Hard Truths

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

NBR Spotlight Award: Creative Collaboration of Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande, Wicked

NBR Freedom of Expression Award: No Other Land

Best Animated Feature: Flow

Best International Film: The Seed of the Sacred Fig

Best Documentary: Sugarcane

Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography: Jarin Blaschke, Nosferatu

Outstanding Achievement in Stunt Artistry: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Top Films (in alphabetical order):

Anora

Babygirl, A Complete Unknown

Conclave

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Gladiator II

Juror #2

Queer

A Real Pain

Sing Sing

Top 5 International Films (in alphabetical order):

All We Imagine as Light

The Girl with the Needle

I’m Still Here

Santosh

Universal Language

POPULAR ON THE CINEMA GROUP

Top 5 Documentaries (in alphabetical order):

Black Box Diaries

Dahomey

Look Into My Eyes

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

Will & Harper

Top 10 Independent Films (in alphabetical order):

Bird

A Different Man

Dìdi

Ghostlight

Good One

Hard Truths

His Three Daughters

Love Lies Bleeding

My Old Ass

Thelma

The NBR, established in 1909, is dedicated to supporting cinema as both an art form and an entertainment medium. Each year, members of the board – including film enthusiasts, filmmakers, professionals, and academics – view hundreds of films, often following up with in-depth discussions with directors, actors, producers, and screenwriters. Since its inception, the NBR has sought to recognize the best that cinema has to offer while also supporting up-and-coming filmmakers with grants and awards.

The 2024 winners represent a vibrant cross-section of films that have captivated audiences and critics alike, from large-scale musical blockbusters like Wicked to smaller, intimate films like Anora. The NBR’s recognition of a wide range of talent and genres underscores the depth and diversity of the film industry today.

The upcoming NBR Awards Gala on January 7, 2025, promises to be a celebration of these achievements, honoring those who have helped make 2024 a memorable year for cinema. Fans can look forward to a night of heartfelt speeches, well-deserved accolades, and a celebration of the power of film to inspire and move audiences around the world.