What Is 1934 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1934 National Board of Review (NBR) Awards celebrated excellence in filmmaking during a pivotal year in Hollywood history. These awards recognized films released in both 1933 and 1934, with winners announced in December 1934.

As one of the earliest film honors of the season, the NBR Awards helped shape early Oscar predictions. The ceremony highlighted standout achievements in direction, acting, and storytelling during the Pre-Code and early Code era of American cinema.

• Best Picture: 'It Happened One Night' was named the top film of the year, a romantic comedy directed by Frank Capra and starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert.
• Historic achievement: The film later made history by becoming the first to win the 'Big Five' Academy Awards: Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay.
• Announcement date: The National Board of Review revealed its winners in December 1934, months before the 7th Academy Awards in February 1935.
• Best Director: Frank Capra received recognition for his work on 'It Happened One Night,' cementing his status as a leading filmmaker of the era.
• International recognition: The NBR also honored foreign films, including 'The Private Life of Henry VIII,' which received special mention despite being a 1933 British release.

How It Works

The National Board of Review operated independently of studios and trade unions, selecting winners based on artistic merit and cultural impact. Its early recognition often influenced later awards seasons, including the Oscars.

• Selection Process: A panel of film critics and academics reviewed eligible films released in the U.S. during the calendar year. Members voted anonymously to determine winners.
• Eligibility Window: Films released between January 1 and December 31, 1934, were considered, though some 1933 films still in circulation were also evaluated.
• Categories Recognized: The NBR awarded Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Special Citations for international films and documentaries.
• Independence: Unlike studio-backed awards, the NBR operated as a nonprofit, ensuring decisions were free from commercial influence.
• Announcement Timing: Winners were announced in December, making the NBR one of the first major film awards each season.
• Legacy Impact: Early NBR recognition often boosted a film’s visibility and box office, as seen with 'It Happened One Night' gaining momentum before the Oscars.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1934 NBR Awards and the 1935 Academy Awards reveals both alignment and divergence in critical recognition.

The table shows that the National Board of Review and the Academy largely agreed on top honors for 1934. Both organizations recognized 'It Happened One Night' across major categories, validating its cultural and artistic significance. However, the NBR’s inclusion of international films like 'The Private Life of Henry VIII' highlights its broader scope compared to the Academy’s then-limited categories.

Why It Matters

The 1934 National Board of Review Awards played a crucial role in shaping film history by spotlighting a groundbreaking movie before mainstream acclaim. Its early endorsement helped propel 'It Happened One Night' into the awards spotlight.

• Historic precedent: The NBR’s recognition of 'It Happened One Night' foreshadowed its unprecedented sweep at the 1935 Oscars.
• Critical influence: As one of the first critics’ groups to honor films annually, the NBR helped establish the modern awards season calendar.
• Genre validation: By honoring a romantic comedy, the NBR elevated a genre often overlooked by more conservative award bodies.
• Star-making impact: The awards boosted the careers of Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, both of whom became major Hollywood stars.
• Industry credibility: The NBR’s nonprofit, critic-driven model lent credibility to its choices, distinguishing it from studio-influenced awards.
• Legacy recognition: The 1934 awards are now studied as a benchmark for how early critical consensus can predict broader acclaim.

Today, the National Board of Review remains a respected voice in film criticism, continuing its tradition of early-season recognition. The 1934 awards, in particular, stand out for their accurate forecasting and cultural impact on Hollywood’s golden age.