National Board of Review Announces 2024 Awards: Wicked Takes Top Honors
Photo Credit: National Board of Review
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.
the complete list of
the 2024 NBR award recipients:
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):
Neon
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):
Sideshow and Janus Films
All We Imagine as Light
The Girl with the Needle
I’m Still Here
Santosh
Universal Language
Top 5 Documentaries (in alphabetical order):
Les Films du Bal
Black Box Diaries
Dahomey
Look Into My Eyes
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
Will & Harper
Top 10 Independent Films (in alphabetical order):
Mubi
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.
THE CINEMA GROUP - YOUR PREMIER SOURCE FOR THE LATEST IN FILM AND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @THECINEMAGROUP
