NBR Awards: “Wicked” Wins Big In Oscar Precursor
The National Board of Review just dropped its 2024 awards list, and it’s full of surprises. From Broadway hits to futuristic epics, their picks are anything but predictable. Known for choosing the unexpected, the NBR keeps the awards race fresh and exciting.
Best Film: “Wicked”
Hold onto your broomsticks – “Wicked” is the NBR’s Best Film of 2024. The Broadway hit leapt off the stage and onto the screen, with a bold, colorful take on themes of friendship, identity, and morality. In a year dominated by heavy dramas, “Wicked” stands out as a thrilling, thought-provoking musical that’s much more than just a feel-good spectacle.
Best Director: Jon M. Chu
Jon M. Chu has worked some serious magic with “Wicked”, earning the Best Director award. He’s taken a beloved Broadway show and turned it into a cinematic wonder, proving that with creativity and vision, even the most fantastical material can resonate deeply.
Spotlight Award: Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande
In addition to winning Best Film and Best Director, “Wicked” also took home the NBR Spotlight Award for the “creative collaboration” between its stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. This recognition highlights their powerful on-screen chemistry and the magic they’ve brought to the roles of Elphaba and Glinda. The NBR summed it up perfectly: “Wicked represents the pure magic that movies can bring to audiences.” Erivo and Grande’s performances are a big part of why the film has captured hearts everywhere.
Acting Awards
The NBR also made waves with its acting choices. Daniel Craig scored Best Actor for his intense performance in “Queer”, showing there’s life after Bond. Nicole Kidman won Best Actress for “Babygirl”, delivering a performance so transformative it’ll make you forget her past roles. In supporting categories, Kieran Culkin and Elle Fanning wowed with standout performances in “A Real Pain” and “A Complete Unknown”, respectively.
Best Screenplay: “Hard Truths” & “Sing Sing”
Mike Leigh’s “Hard Truths” took Best Original Screenplay, offering a raw, unflinching look at society. On the adapted side, Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar’s “Sing Sing” surprised with its gripping take on a familiar story. Both scripts explore powerful themes with originality and depth.
Best International Film
The NBR also spotlighted international cinema, with “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” taking home Best International Film. This global hit is just one of many on the NBR’s top 5 list, which includes “All We Imagine as Light”, “The Girl with the Needle”, and more. These films showcase fresh perspectives and boundary-pushing filmmaking from around the world.
The NBR’s Unique Role
The NBR isn’t your typical awards body. They’ve got an uncanny ability to pick the underdogs and push the limits of what’s expected. Whether it’s championing indie darlings or giving blockbuster musicals their due, the NBR’s picks often set the tone for the rest of the awards season.
What This Means For The Oscars
So, what does this all mean for the Oscars? “Wicked” now has a serious shot at gold, and acting winners like Craig and Kidman are primed for a big push in the race for Oscar nominations. The NBR’s early recognition often points to future success, but the road to the Oscars is long and full of surprises.
The NBR’s 2024 awards are shaping up to make this year’s awards season one of the most unpredictable yet. With fresh faces, bold choices, and a mix of high art and blockbuster magic, this year’s selections promise to keep us all on the edge of our seats. Let the awards season begin!
Top 10 Films (in alphabetical order):
“Anora”
“Babygirl”
“A Complete Unknown”
“Conclave”
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga”
“Gladiator II”
“Juror No. 2”
“Queer”
“A Real Pain”
“Sing Sing”
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