What Is 1933 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1933 National Board of Review Awards celebrated the finest achievements in filmmaking from the year 1932, continuing the organization's tradition of recognizing cinematic excellence. These awards were announced in January 1933, making it the fifth annual iteration of the National Board of Review's honors.

Unlike later televised ceremonies, the NBR's awards were published in press releases and film journals, emphasizing critical evaluation over spectacle. The selections reflected the tastes of New York-based film critics and intellectuals who valued narrative depth and directorial skill.

• Best Picture:Bad Girl by Frank Borzage was honored for its sensitive portrayal of working-class romance and marital challenges during the Great Depression.
• Release Year: Films considered were those released in 1932, a pivotal year in early sound cinema marked by experimentation and social realism.
• Best Director: Frank Borzage received dual recognition, winning for Bad Girl, praised for its intimate storytelling and emotional authenticity.
• Announcement Date: The winners were revealed in January 1933, aligning with the NBR’s tradition of early-year announcements before other major awards.
• Historical Context: The 1933 awards occurred during the 5th annual cycle, establishing the NBR as one of the earliest and most consistent critical voices in American cinema.

How It Works

The National Board of Review operated independently of the film industry, relying on a panel of film critics, academics, and cultural commentators to evaluate films. Their selections emphasized artistic merit, narrative innovation, and social relevance, setting them apart from commercial rankings.

• Selection Process: A committee of 12 to 15 members reviewed films released in New York during the calendar year, meeting in December to finalize choices.
• Criteria: Films were judged on artistic quality, direction, and cultural impact, with less emphasis on box office performance or star power.
• Announcement Method: Winners were published in film journals and newspapers rather than through a public ceremony, maintaining an academic tone.
• Categories: Only a few awards were given, including Best Picture and Best Director, with no acting-specific categories in 1933.
• Independence: The NBR maintained editorial independence from Hollywood studios, allowing for more diverse and sometimes controversial selections.
• Timing: Awards were announced in early January, giving them influence on later awards like the Oscars by shaping critical discourse.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 1933 NBR Awards with other major film honors of the era:

The NBR stood out for its early critical focus, predating the New York Film Critics Circle by two years. While the Oscars leaned toward prestige and the Photoplay Awards reflected popular opinion, the NBR emphasized directorial artistry and thematic seriousness. This made Bad Girl's win a reflection of critical, rather than commercial, success.

Why It Matters

The 1933 NBR Awards helped shape how film was evaluated in the early sound era, setting a precedent for critic-driven recognition. By honoring understated dramas like Bad Girl, the NBR elevated films that might otherwise be overshadowed by flashier productions.

• Influence on Critics: The NBR became a model for later critic groups, proving that critical consensus could shape film history.
• Historical Record: Their annual lists provide scholars with insight into 1930s cinematic values and cultural priorities.
• Director Recognition: Honoring Frank Borzage reinforced the importance of auteurs in American cinema.
• Alternative Voice: The NBR offered a counterpoint to the Oscars, often selecting more nuanced or socially conscious films.
• Legacy: The organization continues today, making it one of the oldest continuous film awards in the U.S.
• Cultural Impact: Early NBR choices like Bad Girl are now studied for their depression-era realism and gender dynamics.

Today, the National Board of Review remains a respected voice in film criticism, with its early awards underscoring the enduring value of thoughtful, independent evaluation in an industry often driven by commerce.