What Is 1945 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1945 National Board of Review (NBR) Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in American and international cinema released during that year. As one of the earliest film honors announced each season, the NBR’s selections often serve as a precursor to the Academy Awards and influence the broader awards conversation.

Established in 1909, the National Board of Review has long championed cinematic excellence, free from industry pressures. The 1945 awards highlighted post-war themes and performances, reflecting the cultural mood of the era.

• Best Picture was awarded to 'A Place in the Sun', a drama directed by George Stevens that explored class and ambition in America.
• Elia Kazan won Best Director for 'Gentleman's Agreement', a groundbreaking film addressing anti-Semitism in post-war society.
• Ronald Colman received Best Actor for his role in 'The Lost Weekend', a harrowing portrayal of alcoholism that later won the Oscar.
• Ingrid Bergman was named Best Actress for her performance in 'Spellbound', a psychological thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
• The NBR also recognized foreign films, naming Roberto Rossellini’s 'Rome, Open City' as Best Foreign Language Film.

How It Works

The National Board of Review selects its annual honorees through a voting process by its members, composed of film professionals, academics, and critics. Unlike guild or academy awards, the NBR operates independently, allowing for bold or unexpected choices.

• Selection Process: A committee views hundreds of films released in the calendar year and narrows down contenders through discussion and voting. Final winners are determined by majority vote.
• Announcement Timing: The NBR reveals its winners in early December, making it one of the first major award bodies to weigh in on the season.
• Categories: The board honors Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and several specialized awards including Top Ten Films and Best Foreign Language Film.
• Judging Criteria: Films are evaluated on artistic merit, technical excellence, storytelling, and cultural relevance rather than box office performance.
• Independence: As a non-industry-affiliated group, the NBR avoids conflicts of interest, contributing to its reputation for integrity and credibility.
• Historical Role: Since 1930, the NBR has published annual award lists, providing a consistent historical record of cinematic achievement.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key winners from the 1945 NBR Awards with their counterparts at the 16th Academy Awards held in March 1946.

The table reveals both alignment and divergence between the NBR and the Oscars. While both honored Ingrid Bergman and 'The Lost Weekend', they differed on Best Picture and Director. The NBR’s early timeline often allows it to spotlight films before Oscar campaigns fully develop, giving it influence in shaping award season narratives.

Why It Matters

The 1945 National Board of Review Awards hold historical significance for recognizing films that captured the psychological and social complexities of the post-war era. These awards not only honored artistic achievement but also reflected broader societal concerns such as mental health, prejudice, and moral responsibility.

• 'The Lost Weekend' brought attention to alcoholism, a taboo subject at the time, helping shift public discourse on addiction.
• 'Gentleman's Agreement' addressed anti-Semitism, marking Hollywood’s growing willingness to confront social issues.
• The recognition of 'Rome, Open City' introduced American audiences to Italian neorealism, influencing future filmmakers.
• By honoring independent and serious dramas, the NBR reinforced cinema’s role as a medium for social commentary.
• The awards helped launch Oscar campaigns, particularly for films like 'The Lost Weekend' that went on to win major Academy Awards.
• Preserving a record of critical consensus since 1930, the NBR provides valuable insight into evolving cinematic tastes.

Today, the National Board of Review continues to shape the film landscape, offering early recognition that often predicts broader industry acclaim. The 1945 awards remain a testament to cinema’s power to reflect and influence the human condition.