What Is 1931 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1931 National Board of Review Awards marked the third annual recognition by the National Board of Review (NBR), honoring excellence in filmmaking from 1930 and 1931. Unlike modern awards tied strictly to a single year, the 1931 ceremony reflected a transitional period in the organization’s early history, combining achievements from two film cycles.

Established in 1909 as a censorship review body, the NBR evolved into a major arbiter of cinematic quality by the late 1920s. By 1931, it had become one of the first American institutions to formally recognize film artistry, predating the Oscars in consistent annual honors.

• Best Picture: 'Cimarron' (1931), directed by Wesley Ruggles, won for its sweeping depiction of Oklahoma’s frontier history and pioneering spirit.
• Best Director: Lewis Milestone received the honor for 'All Quiet on the Western Front' (1930), a landmark anti-war film that also won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
• Top Foreign Film: 'The Blue Angel' (1930), a German production starring Marlene Dietrich, was recognized for its bold narrative and cultural impact.
• Acting Recognition: While the NBR did not yet give individual acting awards in 1931, ensemble and directorial achievements were emphasized in selections.
• Historical Context: The awards were announced in December 1931, reflecting a shift toward year-end recognition that would become standard in later decades.

How It Works

The National Board of Review operated independently of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, using a committee-based selection process to identify the year’s best films. Unlike the Oscars, the NBR did not use a voting membership but relied on critical consensus among its board.

• Selection Process: A small committee of film critics and intellectuals reviewed eligible films released between January 1930 and November 1931, using artistic merit as the primary criterion.
• Eligibility Window: Films had to be publicly screened in New York City during the qualifying period, a requirement that shaped early NBR choices.
• Award Categories: In 1931, the NBR awarded Best Picture, Best Director, and Top Foreign Language Film, with no acting-specific categories yet established.
• Announcement Timing: Winners were revealed in December 1931, earlier than today’s January or February timelines, allowing influence on early Oscar predictions.
• Publicity & Influence: The NBR published its list in major newspapers, helping shape public opinion and studio marketing strategies during Hollywood’s formative sound era.
• Legacy Recognition: The 1931 awards are now seen as historically significant, documenting early critical consensus during the transition from silent to sound cinema.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1931 NBR Awards with other major honors of the era reveals both alignment and divergence in critical taste.

The table highlights how the NBR focused on directorial and thematic excellence before expanding into performance categories. Its early emphasis on foreign films also set it apart from the more insular Academy Awards, establishing a reputation for broader cinematic appreciation.

Why It Matters

The 1931 National Board of Review Awards played a pivotal role in shaping film criticism and award culture in the United States. As one of the earliest formal recognitions of cinematic art, it helped legitimize film as a serious artistic medium during a transformative decade.

• Historical Benchmark: The 1931 awards provide insight into critical priorities during Hollywood’s transition to sound and narrative sophistication.
• Influence on Oscars: NBR recognition often predicted or influenced Academy Award outcomes, enhancing its prestige.
• International Outlook: By honoring 'The Blue Angel', the NBR introduced American audiences to European cinema trends.
• Director-Centric: The focus on directors like Milestone elevated filmmaker authorship years before the auteur theory gained traction.
• Institutional Legacy: The NBR continues to issue annual awards, making its 1931 list part of a 90+ year tradition.
• Cultural Documentation: The winners reflect societal values of the early 1930s, including themes of resilience, war, and national identity.

Today, the 1931 awards are studied as a snapshot of early film criticism and a precursor to modern award seasons. Their blend of national and international recognition underscores the NBR’s enduring role in cinematic history.