National Board of Review Names ‘Wicked’ Best Film of 2024

National Board of Review Names ‘Wicked’ Best Film of 2024 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The National Board of Review awarded Jon M. Chu’s Wicked its top prize as Best Film of 2024, alongside accolades for Chu as Best Director and Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for their creative collaboration. The musical, already a box office hit, now emerges as a strong Academy Awards contender with key Golden Globe nominations expected soon. The NBR Awards also recognized standout performances by Daniel Craig (Queer) and Nicole Kidman (Babygirl), solidifying their roles in the awards season spotlight.

National Board of Review Highlights: Quick Looks

• Top Honor for Wicked: The film won Best Film, Best Director, and a special award for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
• Major Acting Wins: Daniel Craig (Queer) and Nicole Kidman (Babygirl) received Best Actor and Best Actress accolades.
• Supporting Stars Shine: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) and Elle Fanning (A Complete Unknown) took home supporting acting prizes.
• Technical Excellence: Awards for cinematography (Nosferatu) and stunt artistry (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) showcased filmmaking craft.
• Emerging Talent: Mikey Madison (Anora) and India Donaldson (Good One) earned breakthrough and directorial debut awards.

Deep Look

The National Board of Review (NBR) cemented Jon M. Chu’s Wicked as one of the most celebrated films of 2024, awarding it Best Film and recognizing Chu as Best Director. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande also shared the NBR Spotlight Award for their exceptional creative collaboration on the musical, which has dazzled audiences and critics alike.

The Rise of Wicked

Already a box-office sensation, Wicked is poised to dominate the awards season, fueled by its NBR recognition and anticipation for Monday’s Golden Globe nominations. Adapted from the Broadway hit, the film’s vibrant storytelling, spellbinding music, and remarkable performances have elevated it to a cinematic event.

“Wicked represents the pure magic that movies can bring to audiences,” said Annie Schulhof, NBR president. “Every detail is beautifully crafted, the actors are exceptional, and the music is second to none. Together, it adds up to a transporting experience like no other.”

The musical’s sweeping success underscores its potential as a major Academy Awards contender, with buzz around its visuals, performances, and direction keeping it firmly in the awards conversation.

Acting Powerhouses Shine

While Wicked dominated headlines, other performances also made waves. Daniel Craig earned Best Actor for his role in Luca Guadagnino’s adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ Queer, a provocative exploration of identity and self-discovery. Craig’s nuanced portrayal of a complex character resonated with critics and audiences alike.

Nicole Kidman won Best Actress for her performance in Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn. Kidman plays a high-powered executive navigating a scandalous romance with an intern, portrayed by Harris Dickinson. The film’s exploration of workplace dynamics and personal vulnerability earned Kidman widespread acclaim.

In the supporting categories, Kieran Culkin was honored for his role in A Real Pain, while Elle Fanning took home the Best Supporting Actress award for A Complete Unknown.

Emerging and Technical Talent Recognized

The NBR Awards also highlighted emerging voices and technical achievements in filmmaking. Mikey Madison earned the Breakthrough Performance award for her role in Anora, while India Donaldson won Best Directorial Debut for Good One.

Outstanding technical achievements were also celebrated:

• Cinematography: Jarin Blaschke was lauded for his atmospheric work on Nosferatu.
• Stunt Artistry: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga earned accolades for its innovative and intense stunt sequences.

Broader Awards Season Context

The NBR’s choices add to a week of high-profile recognition for 2024 films. Following the Gotham Awards, New York Film Critics Circle selections, and Spirit Awards nominations, the NBR picks reinforce Wicked as a top contender for the Oscars. While the NBR operates independently of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, its awards often spotlight films that dominate later in the season.

Notable Winners Across Categories

Here is a full list of the 2024 National Board of Review 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: 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

Looking Ahead

The NBR Awards will be presented during an untelevised gala in New York City on January 7, hosted by Willie Geist. With its NBR success, Wicked looks ahead to the Golden Globes and Academy Awards, where it is expected to be a major contender across multiple categories.

As Wicked and other winners gear up for the heart of awards season, the early momentum provided by the National Board of Review places them firmly in the spotlight. The awards highlight the intersection of artistic achievement, technical excellence, and audience appeal, setting the stage for a competitive and exciting season ahead.

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