What Is 1939 National Board of Review Awards

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1939 National Board of Review Awards honored the best films of 1939, with *Gone with the Wind* named Best Picture and Frank Capra receiving the Best Director award for *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington*. The awards were announced in December 1939 and presented in early 1940.

Key Facts

The 1939 National Board of Review Awards were announced in December 1939
Best Picture went to *Gone with the Wind*, released in 1939
Frank Capra won Best Director for *Mr. Smith Goes to Washington*
The awards recognized performances by James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan
The National Board of Review has awarded films annually since 1929

Overview

The 1939 National Board of Review Awards celebrated the most outstanding achievements in film during one of the most iconic years in cinematic history. Announced in December 1939 and presented in early 1940, these honors highlighted excellence in direction, acting, and overall production quality.

The year 1939 is often regarded as Hollywood’s greatest, with a record number of classic films released. The National Board of Review (NBR), founded in 1929, played a key role in recognizing artistic merit independent of commercial success.

Best Picture was awarded to Gone with the Wind, a sweeping historical epic set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era.
Frank Capra received the Best Director award for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, a political drama starring James Stewart.
James Stewart was honored as Best Actor for his role as the idealistic Senator Jefferson Smith in Capra’s film.
Margaret Sullavan won Best Actress for her performance in The Shop Around the Corner, a romantic comedy directed by Ernst Lubitsch.
The NBR also recognized Wuthering Heights as one of the Top Ten Films of the year, showcasing its influence on literary adaptations.

How It Works

The National Board of Review selects winners through a voting process by a panel of film critics, academics, and industry professionals based in New York. The process emphasizes artistic integrity and cultural impact over box office performance.

Selection Process: Members of the NBR view hundreds of films annually and vote on the best in each category. The process is confidential and conducted in multiple rounds.
Announcement Timing: Winners are typically announced in early December, making the NBR one of the first major award groups to reveal its choices each season.
Categories Recognized: The 1939 awards included Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and a Top Ten Films list, a tradition that continues today.
Historical Context: In 1939, the film industry was transitioning into sound and color, with Gone with the Wind being one of the first major color epics.
Influence on Oscars: NBR winners often predict Academy Award outcomes; Gone with the Wind went on to win 8 Oscars, including Best Picture.
Non-Competitive Nature: Unlike the Oscars, the NBR does not present trophies in a televised ceremony but hosts a dinner to honor recipients.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1939 NBR Awards can be compared with other major film honors of the era to understand their significance and predictive power.

Award	Best Picture Winner (1939)	Best Director Winner	Best Actor Winner	Best Actress Winner
National Board of Review	Gone with the Wind	Frank Capra (Mr. Smith)	James Stewart (Mr. Smith)	Margaret Sullavan (Shop)
Academy Awards	Gone with the Wind	Victor Fleming (Gone with the Wind)	Robert Donat (Goodbye, Mr. Chips)	Vivien Leigh (Gone with the Wind)
New York Film Critics Circle	Wuthering Heights	William Wyler (Wuthering Heights)	James Stewart (Mr. Smith)	Gail Patrick (My Love Came Back)
Photoplay Awards	Popular Choice: Dark Victory	John Ford (Stagecoach)	James Stewart (Mr. Smith)	Bette Davis (Dark Victory)
European Film Awards (est. 1988)	N/A (not yet established)	N/A	N/A	N/A

This comparison shows that while the NBR and other groups sometimes diverged, James Stewart’s acclaim was nearly unanimous. The NBR’s recognition of Gone with the Wind aligned with the Academy, though Capra’s win over Fleming highlights differing critical perspectives. The absence of European awards in 1939 underscores the dominance of American film criticism at the time.

Why It Matters

The 1939 National Board of Review Awards remain significant for honoring a golden year in film and shaping critical discourse. Their early announcement timing gives them influence in the broader awards season.

Historical Benchmark: The 1939 awards serve as a cultural snapshot of cinematic excellence during Hollywood’s most celebrated year.
Critical Influence: The NBR’s recognition often boosts a film’s visibility and awards momentum, especially during Oscar season.
Legacy of Honorees: Frank Capra and James Stewart solidified their reputations as leading figures in American cinema through these awards.
Genre Diversity: The winners spanned epic drama, political satire, and romantic comedy, reflecting the era’s creative range.
Enduring Recognition: Films like Gone with the Wind and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington remain in the National Film Registry.
Foundation for Future Awards: The NBR’s model influenced later critics’ groups and award ceremonies across the U.S.

Today, the National Board of Review continues to highlight cinematic excellence, building on traditions established in landmark years like 1939. Their early recognition of timeless films ensures lasting cultural relevance.