National Board of Review Honors 'Wicked' and Daniel Craig

NEW YORK | The National Board of Review has awarded the enchanting musical "Wicked" the title of best film of the year, recognizing its artistic excellence and cultural impact. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film has captured the hearts of audiences and stands out in the current cinematic landscape.

Alongside the best film award, Jon M. Chu was named best director, highlighting his vision and creativity in bringing this beloved story to life. The film's stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, received accolades for their outstanding collaboration, showcasing their exceptional talent.

Currently, "Wicked" is not just a box-office success but is also gearing up for a competitive awards season, positioning itself as a strong contender for the upcoming Academy Awards. The National Board of Review, based in New York and founded in 1909, is known for its dedication to celebrating film, though it operates independently from the film academy.

Regarding "Wicked," Annie Schulhof, the president of the National Board of Review, remarked, "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." This statement emphasizes the film's quality and its ability to resonate deeply with viewers.

The best actor award was given to Daniel Craig for his remarkable performance in the film "Queer," directed by Luca Guadagnino, which is an adaptation of the works of William S. Burroughs. Additionally, Nicole Kidman won best actress for her role in "Babygirl," directed by Halina Reijn, where she portrays a high-ranking executive involved in a romantic relationship with an intern.

In the supporting acting categories, the awards went to Kieran Culkin for "A Real Pain" and Elle Fanning for "A Complete Unknown," both of whom delivered compelling performances.

The National Board of Review awards add to a series of recognitions recently announced, including those from the Gotham Awards and the New York Film Critics Circle. The NBR Awards will be celebrated at a gala on January 7 in New York, hosted by Willie Geist.

Complete List of NBR Winners

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
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"

Wicked, Awards, Film, Acting