What Is 1940 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1940 National Board of Review Awards celebrated the best in film from the year 1939, reflecting the organization’s long-standing tradition of honoring cinematic excellence. Unlike the Academy Awards, which began in 1929, the NBR Awards were established earlier, in 1929, making them one of the oldest film accolades in the United States.

Announced in December 1940, these awards highlighted achievements in direction, acting, and overall film quality during a pivotal year in Hollywood history. The recognition often served as a precursor to the Oscars, lending prestige to the winners and boosting public awareness of critically acclaimed films.

• Gone with the Wind was named Best Picture, a monumental achievement given its record-breaking box office and cultural impact during 1939.
• James Stewart received Best Actor honors for his performance in The Philadelphia Story, a role that solidified his status as a leading man.
• Michèle Morgan won Best Actress for her role in Remorques, a French film that stood out in international cinema.
• The awards were selected by the National Board of Review, a group of film critics and academics based in New York City.
• Unlike Oscar voting, the NBR process is non-competitive and based on critical consensus rather than membership ballots.

How It Works

The National Board of Review evaluates films based on artistic merit, technical excellence, and cultural significance, with no nomination process or public campaigning. The selection is made by a jury of film professionals who review eligible films released in the preceding calendar year.

• Eligibility Period: Films must have been released in the United States during the previous calendar year. For the 1940 awards, all films were from 1939.
• Selection Panel: A committee of film critics, historians, and educators reviews submissions and compiles a shortlist before final voting.
• Best Picture: Awarded to the film deemed most outstanding in storytelling, direction, and overall impact. Gone with the Wind won in 1940.
• Best Actor: James Stewart won for The Philadelphia Story, a performance praised for its charm and comedic timing.
• Best Actress: Michèle Morgan was honored for Remorques, showcasing the NBR’s recognition of international talent.
• Award Announcement: Results were published in December 1940, ahead of the Oscars, giving them significant influence on the awards season narrative.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key categories between the 1940 National Board of Review Awards and the 15th Academy Awards, held in 1943 for 1940 films:

While both awards recognized cinematic excellence, the NBR often highlighted international films and critical darlings earlier than the Oscars. The lack of a formal nomination process allowed for more flexibility in recognizing performances and films that might otherwise be overlooked.

Why It Matters

The 1940 National Board of Review Awards played a crucial role in shaping early Hollywood’s critical landscape and influencing public perception of film excellence. By honoring both American and international cinema, the NBR helped broaden the scope of recognized artistry beyond domestic productions.

• The award for Michèle Morgan underscored the NBR’s commitment to global cinema, a rare acknowledgment at the time.
• Gone with the Wind winning Best Picture reinforced its dominance in both commercial and critical arenas.
• James Stewart’s win elevated his career, leading to more leading roles in major productions.
• The NBR’s early announcement gave it influential status in the awards season, often predicting Oscar contenders.
• Its non-competitive selection process emphasized critical appreciation over industry politics.
• The 1940 awards highlighted the growing importance of film critics in shaping cinematic legacy.

Today, the National Board of Review continues to be a respected voice in film criticism, with its annual awards still serving as a significant marker of quality and influence in the industry.