The National Board of Review, which from what I can gather on their website, is a board of film enthusiasts, a term I thought I had coined but hey, who collectively support the art known as film in any way they see fit. At this time of year, they see fit by stringing together a Top 10 list for the year as well as singling out particular films and performances. This year, their favorite film is American filmmaker, Jason Reitman's third picture, UP IN THE AIR, starring George Clooney, whom they also deemed gave the best male performance this year, tied with Morgan Freeman for INVICTIS. The board also distinguishes between what they consider to be independent pictures and mainstream, creating two Top 10 lists. PRECIOUS is on neither. Other notable absences, hopefuls, THE ROAD, PUBLIC ENEMIES and NINE. Meanwhile, the Coen Brothers are on a strong start toward a Best Original Screenplay Oscar for A SERIOUS MAN, having been honoured both here and at the Independent Spirit Awards. And potential Best Picture nominees, UP and STAR TREK throw their hats in the race as both are featured in the Top 10.
Here are the National Board of Review honourees ...
BEST FILM
UP IN THE AIR
TOP 10 FILMS
AN EDUCATION
(500) DAYS OF SUMMER
THE HURT LOCKER
INGLORIOUS BASTERDS
INVICTUS
THE MESSENGER
A SERIOUS MAN
STAR TREK
UP
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
TOP INDEPENDENT FILMS
AMREEKA
DISTRICT 9
GOODBYE SOLO
HUMPDAY
IN THE LOOP
JULIA
ME AND ORSON WELLES
MOON
SUGAR
TWO LOVERS
BEST ACTOR
George Clooney, UP IN THE AIR
Morgan Freeman, INVICTUS
BEST ACTRESS
Carey Mulligan, AN EDUCATION
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Woody Harrelson, THE MESSENGER
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Anna Kendrick, UP IN THE AIR
BEST ENSEMBLE CAST
IT'S COMPLICATED
BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR
Jeremy Renner, THE HURT LOCKER
BREAKHTROUGH PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS
Gabourey Sidibe, PRECIOUS
BEST DIRECTOR
Clint Eastwood, INVICTUS
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
UP IN THE AIR
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
A SERIOUS MAN
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
UP
Please feel free to click on any of the links to read past Black Sheep Reviews for these honoured films. The review for BROTHERS is coming soon.