What Is 1958 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1958 National Board of Review Awards celebrated excellence in filmmaking during a transformative year for cinema. Recognizing both American and international productions, the awards highlighted achievements in direction, acting, and storytelling that resonated with critics and audiences alike.

Announced in December 1958 and presented in early 1959, these honors reflected the Board’s long-standing mission to promote quality in film. Unlike industry-voted awards, the NBR selections are made by a group of film critics and professionals, lending a distinct critical perspective to the results.

• Best Picture was awarded to 'The Old Man and the Sea', a visually striking adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s novella that combined live-action with animation elements to depict the struggle of an aging Cuban fisherman.
• Fred Zinnemann won Best Director for 'The Nun's Story', a dramatic exploration of faith and identity starring Audrey Hepburn, which was praised for its psychological depth and meticulous direction.
• The NBR also recognized international cinema by naming 'The Cranes Are Flying' (USSR) as one of the year’s top foreign films, highlighting the global reach of their selections.
• Acting honors included Anthony Quinn for his role in 'The Buccaneer', acknowledged for his commanding screen presence and emotional range in a historically themed adventure film.
• The awards ceremony took place in early January 1959 in New York City, continuing the Board’s tradition of early-season recognition ahead of the Oscars.

How It Works

The National Board of Review operates independently of the film industry, selecting winners through a voting process among its members, which include film historians, critics, and academics. Their annual awards serve as both a critical assessment and an influential precursor to the Academy Awards.

• Selection Process: Members view hundreds of films released in the calendar year and vote on categories ranging from Best Picture to breakthrough performances. The process emphasizes artistic merit over box office success.
• Announcement Timing: Winners are revealed in December, making the NBR one of the first major groups to issue film accolades each season, often shaping Oscar conversations.
• Category Diversity: The Board awards not only top films but also recognizes Top Ten Films, Top Foreign Films, and special honors for debut performances and freedom of expression in cinema.
• Historical Consistency: Since 1930, the NBR has issued annual awards, making it one of the oldest film honors in the United States, predating even the Golden Globes in longevity.
• Influence on Oscars: Over the decades, NBR winners have frequently aligned with Academy Award outcomes—18 Best Picture winners since 2000 also won the NBR honor.
• Non-Competitive Honors: The Board also bestows special achievement awards, such as the William A. Zeoli Award for freedom of expression, underscoring its commitment to cinematic integrity and social relevance.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 1958 NBR Awards with other major film honors of the era:

While the NBR chose 'The Old Man and the Sea' as its top film, other groups diverged—highlighting how critical perspectives varied in the late 1950s. The NBR’s inclusion of international films and its early timing gave it a unique voice in the awards landscape.

Why It Matters

The 1958 NBR Awards reflect a pivotal moment in film history, when post-war cinema was expanding in scope and ambition. Recognizing both literary adaptations and socially conscious dramas, the Board helped elevate film as a serious art form.

• The NBR’s support for 'The Cranes Are Flying' introduced American audiences to Soviet cinema during the Cold War, fostering cultural dialogue through film.
• By honoring Fred Zinnemann, the Board spotlighted directors who balanced artistic vision with narrative clarity, influencing future auteur recognition.
• The early announcement date continues to make NBR awards a key predictor of Oscar success, especially in Best Picture and Best Director categories.
• Recognizing international films since the 1930s, the NBR has long championed global cinema, predating similar efforts by other major awards.
• The awards’ emphasis on critical consensus rather than popularity helps preserve space for artistically ambitious films in the public conversation.
• Over time, the NBR has influenced film preservation efforts by drawing attention to underappreciated works that later gained classic status.

Today, the legacy of the 1958 awards endures not only in film history but also in the ongoing role of critics as tastemakers in the awards season ecosystem.