What Is 1957 National Board of Review Awards

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1957 National Board of Review Awards honored outstanding films and performances from that year, with 'Sayonara' winning Best Picture and Marlon Brando named Best Actor for his role in 'The Young Lions'. The awards were announced in December 1957 and presented in early 1958.

Key Facts

The 1957 National Board of Review Awards were announced in December 1957
Best Picture went to 'Sayonara', directed by Joshua Logan
Marlon Brando won Best Actor for 'The Young Lions'
Eva Marie Saint won Best Actress for 'A Hatful of Rain'
The NBR recognized 10 Best Foreign Films, including 'Nights of Cabiria'

Overview

The 1957 National Board of Review Awards celebrated excellence in filmmaking during a transformative year for cinema. As one of the earliest announcing groups in the awards season, the NBR played a pivotal role in shaping critical discourse ahead of the Oscars.

The awards recognized achievements across genres and national cinemas, highlighting both American and international talent. Their selections often reflected a preference for socially conscious themes and powerful performances.

Announcement Date: The winners were revealed in December 1957, setting the tone for the upcoming awards season.
Best Picture:'Sayonara' won top honors, a film exploring interracial romance in post-war Japan with bold thematic depth.
Best Actor:Marlon Brando earned recognition for his performance in 'The Young Lions', showcasing his dramatic range.
Best Actress:Eva Marie Saint won for her role in 'A Hatful of Rain', a performance praised for emotional authenticity.
Top Honors: The NBR also named 10 Best Foreign Films, underscoring their commitment to global cinema.

How It Works

The National Board of Review operates independently to select annual award recipients based on artistic merit and cultural impact. A panel of film professionals and academics reviews eligible films released during the calendar year.

Selection Process:Members vote after screenings and discussions, ensuring a consensus-driven outcome based on critical evaluation.
Eligibility Window: Films must be released between January 1 and December 31, 1957 to qualify for that year’s awards.
Judging Criteria: Emphasis is placed on direction, acting, screenplay, and social relevance rather than box office performance.
Award Categories: The NBR recognizes Best Picture, Actor, Actress, Foreign Films, and Top 10 Films annually.
Timing: Winners are announced in December, making the NBR one of the first groups to influence Oscar predictions.
Presentation: The awards ceremony was held in January 1958 in New York City, honoring the previous year’s achievements.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1957 NBR winners with other major awards reveals alignment and divergence in critical opinion.

Award Category	NBR Winner (1957)	Oscars Winner (1958)	Golden Globes Winner
Best Picture	Sayonara	Separate Tables	The Bridge on the River Kwai
Best Actor	Marlon Brando (The Young Lions)	David Niven (Separate Tables)	Alec Guinness (The Bridge on the River Kwai)
Best Actress	Eva Marie Saint (A Hatful of Rain)	Joanne Woodward (The Three Faces of Eve)	Debbie Reynolds (The Catered Affair)
Best Foreign Film	Nights of Cabiria (Italy)	no Oscar category	no equivalent
Best Director	Joshua Logan (Sayonara)	David Lean (The Bridge on the River Kwai)	George Cukor (Designing Woman)

The NBR’s early announcement often sets a different trajectory than the Oscars, which favor broader appeal. In 1957, while 'Sayonara' won NBR’s top prize, it only received two Oscar nominations and won none, highlighting divergent tastes.

Why It Matters

The 1957 NBR Awards remain significant for recognizing films that pushed boundaries in storytelling and representation. Their choices reflected a progressive stance on social issues such as race and mental health.

Cultural Impact:'Sayonara' addressed racial prejudice in the U.S. military, sparking national conversation.
Actor Recognition: Marlon Brando’s win reinforced his status as a leading dramatic actor of the era.
Foreign Film Advocacy: The NBR’s list included Federico Fellini’s 'Nights of Cabiria', boosting its U.S. profile.
Influence on Oscars: Though not always aligned, NBR choices often influence Academy voter perceptions.
Historical Record: The awards provide insight into 1950s cinematic values and critical priorities.
Legacy: The NBR continues to be a respected voice in film criticism and awards forecasting.

By honoring bold narratives and international voices, the 1957 awards underscored the Board’s mission to champion cinematic artistry over commercialism.