What Is 1946 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1946 National Board of Review Awards recognized outstanding achievements in film during a pivotal year in postwar cinema. These awards, presented annually by the National Board of Review (NBR), highlighted excellence in storytelling, direction, and performance across American and international films.

Announced in December 1946, the honors reflected critical consensus rather than box office success, emphasizing artistic merit. The NBR, founded in 1909, has long served as an influential voice in American film culture, often predicting future Oscar contenders.

• Best Picture was awarded to Gentleman's Agreement, a powerful drama directed by Elia Kazan that tackled anti-Semitism in postwar America.
• Best Director went to David Lean for his masterful adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, praised for its atmospheric visuals and emotional depth.
• Best Actor was given to Gregory Peck for his role as a journalist posing as Jewish in Gentleman's Agreement, a performance lauded for its moral gravitas.
• Best Actress was awarded to Ingrid Bergman for her dual role in Spellbound and Notorious, showcasing her range in psychological thrillers.
• Top Foreign Film was La Bête Humaine by Jean Renoir, a French noir examining obsession and fate on the railways of 1930s France.

How It Works

The National Board of Review evaluates films based on artistic quality, cultural significance, and technical excellence, with winners selected by a jury of film historians, critics, and professionals. Unlike industry-voted awards, the NBR operates independently, aiming to spotlight underappreciated works and emerging talent.

• Selection Process: A panel of over 50 members reviews eligible films released in the calendar year, meeting in December to vote. The process is confidential and non-competitive in nature.
• Eligibility Period: Films must have had a theatrical release in New York City between January 1 and December 31, 1946, to qualify for the 1946 awards.
• Best Picture Criteria: The top honor considers narrative strength, directorial vision, and societal impact, with Gentleman's Agreement winning for its bold social commentary.
• Director Recognition: The award emphasizes innovation and control over tone, which David Lean demonstrated through his meticulous period recreation in Great Expectations.
• Acting Honors: Performances are judged on emotional authenticity and character complexity, with Peck and Bergman exemplifying postwar realism.
• International Recognition: The NBR includes a Top Foreign Film category, reflecting global cinematic trends and fostering cross-cultural appreciation.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1946 NBR Awards compared with other major honors of the era:

The NBR often diverges from the Oscars, especially in director and acting categories. In 1946, while both groups agreed on Best Picture, they split on Best Director and acting honors, illustrating differing critical perspectives. The NBR’s early announcement date also gives it influence in shaping awards season momentum.

Why It Matters

The 1946 NBR Awards remain significant for recognizing socially conscious cinema during a transformative period in Hollywood. By honoring films that addressed prejudice, trauma, and identity, the board helped elevate cinema as a vehicle for moral discourse.

• Influenced Oscar Campaigns: Early NBR recognition boosted the profile of Gentleman's Agreement, contributing to its five Academy Award wins.
• Highlighted International Cinema: By honoring La Bête Humaine, the NBR introduced American audiences to postwar European realism and film noir aesthetics.
• Validated Social Themes: The praise for Gentleman's Agreement signaled industry support for tackling controversial topics like anti-Semitism.
• Promoted Directorial Excellence: David Lean’s win underscored the importance of visual storytelling and literary adaptation in film artistry.
• Shaped Critical Discourse: The NBR’s independence provided a counterbalance to studio-influenced awards, preserving journalistic integrity.
• Preserved Film History: Annual NBR lists serve as critical records of cinematic achievement, used by historians and archivists today.

Ultimately, the 1946 awards reflect a moment when film became a tool for societal reflection, and the National Board of Review played a key role in championing that evolution.