What Is 1955 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1955 National Board of Review Awards recognized excellence in filmmaking during a pivotal year for post-war cinema. Announced in December 1955, the awards highlighted performances and direction that resonated with both critics and audiences. The honors were presented in early 1956, continuing the tradition of early-year recognition ahead of the Oscars.

These awards are selected annually by the National Board of Review, a group of film enthusiasts, academics, and New York-based critics. Unlike industry-voted awards, the NBR focuses on artistic merit and cultural impact. The 1955 edition spotlighted films that balanced emotional depth with social realism.

• Marty was named Best Film, praised for its authentic portrayal of loneliness and working-class life in the Bronx.
• Ernest Borgnine won Best Actor for his transformative role as a shy butcher seeking love, a performance that later earned him an Oscar.
• Ingrid Bergman received Best Actress for her role in Anastasia, playing a woman believed to be a lost Russian royal, a role that also won her the Academy Award.
• Delbert Mann was honored as Best Director for Marty, marking his feature film debut and establishing him as a major new voice.
• The NBR also recognized Blackboard Jungle as one of the Top Ten Films, acknowledging its bold treatment of juvenile delinquency and urban education.

How It Works

The National Board of Review operates independently of Hollywood studios, selecting winners based on cinematic quality rather than box office success. Its process involves monthly screenings and discussions among members, culminating in year-end awards.

• Selection Process: Members view eligible films throughout the year and vote in December to determine winners. The process emphasizes diversity and narrative innovation.
• Best Film: Awarded to Marty, a low-budget drama that stood out for its emotional honesty and minimalist storytelling approach.
• Best Actor:Ernest Borgnine won for avoiding caricature and delivering a nuanced, deeply human performance in a leading role.
• Best Actress:Ingrid Bergman was honored for reviving her career with a powerful, layered portrayal of psychological complexity and royal intrigue.
• Best Director:Delbert Mann was recognized for transitioning from television to film with a restrained, character-driven style that elevated the script.
• Top Ten Films: The list included international titles like Shoe-Shine and Samurai I, reflecting the NBR’s global perspective on cinema.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1955 NBR Awards compare to other major film honors of the year:

The alignment between the NBR and the Oscars was notable in 1955, especially for lead performances and Best Picture. However, the NBR’s inclusion of international cinema and different director choice highlights its distinct critical lens. While the Oscars favored epic scale, the NBR championed intimate storytelling.

Why It Matters

The 1955 National Board of Review Awards underscored the power of modest, character-driven films in an era increasingly dominated by spectacle. By honoring Marty, the NBR validated independent storytelling and performances rooted in realism.

• The award helped Marty gain momentum, contributing to its historic sweep at the Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
• It marked a resurgence for Ingrid Bergman, who had been blacklisted in Hollywood but returned triumphantly with critical acclaim.
• Ernest Borgnine's win spotlighted character actors, proving that understated performances could achieve top honors.
• The NBR’s early announcement date gave it influence on the broader awards season narrative and Oscar campaigns.
• Recognition of Blackboard Jungle signaled growing interest in socially relevant themes like youth rebellion and racial tension.
• By including foreign films, the NBR broadened American audiences’ exposure to international cinema during the Cold War era.

Today, the 1955 awards are remembered as a turning point that elevated humanistic storytelling and demonstrated the National Board of Review’s role as a tastemaker in American film culture.