What Is 1959 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1959 National Board of Review (NBR) Awards recognized outstanding achievements in filmmaking during that year, serving as a precursor to the Academy Awards. Administered by the National Board of Review, a New York-based organization of film critics and industry professionals, the awards highlighted excellence in storytelling, direction, and performance.

Established in 1909, the NBR has long been a respected voice in American cinema, often predicting Oscar contenders. The 1959 awards were particularly significant due to the sweeping success of historical epics and the growing influence of international cinema.

• Best Picture was awarded to Ben-Hur, a biblical epic directed by William Wyler and produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
• Best Director went to William Wyler for Ben-Hur, marking his third NBR win in that category.
• Best Actor was given to Charlton Heston for his portrayal of Judah Ben-Hur, a role that later earned him an Oscar.
• Best Actress was awarded to Audrey Hepburn for her performance in Sabrina, a romantic drama directed by Billy Wilder.
• Top Foreign Films included The 400 Blows by François Truffaut and Black Orpheus by Marcel Camus, both critically acclaimed.

How It Works

The National Board of Review selects its annual honorees through a voting process conducted by its membership, which includes film historians, academics, and critics. The selections are based on artistic merit, cultural impact, and technical excellence in films released during the calendar year.

• Eligibility Period: Films must have been released in the United States between January 1 and December 31, 1959, to qualify for consideration.
• Voting Members: The NBR consists of over 100 members who vote independently after viewing eligible films throughout the year.
• Selection Process: Members submit ballots, and the top vote-getters in each category are declared winners without nomination shortlists.
• Announcement Timing: The 1959 awards were publicly announced in December 1959, ahead of the February 1960 Oscar ceremony.
• Ceremony Date: Honorees were celebrated at a gala dinner event held in New York City in early January 1960.
• International Recognition: The NBR also spotlighted foreign language films, naming five as the year’s best, including Room at the Top from the UK.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1959 NBR winners with other major film awards reveals alignment with critical consensus and early Oscar momentum.

The NBR and Oscars aligned on top honors like Best Picture and Best Director, but diverged in acting categories, reflecting different voting bodies and criteria. The NBR’s early announcement made it a key indicator of awards season momentum.

Why It Matters

The 1959 National Board of Review Awards played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative around that year’s most influential films. By recognizing both American blockbusters and international art cinema, the NBR highlighted the diversity of cinematic excellence.

• Industry Influence: The NBR’s endorsement helped boost box office performance and awards visibility for Ben-Hur and The 400 Blows.
• Historical Record: The awards provide a snapshot of critical tastes and cultural values in late-1950s America.
• Oscar Predictor: NBR winners often go on to win Oscars, as seen with Ben-Hur sweeping 11 Academy Awards.
• Artist Recognition: Emerging talents like François Truffaut gained international attention through NBR accolades.
• Preservation Efforts: The NBR continues to advocate for film preservation, honoring restored classics alongside new releases.
• Legacy Building: Winning an NBR award has become a career milestone for actors, directors, and studios alike.

Today, the 1959 awards are remembered not only for honoring cinematic masterpieces but also for cementing the NBR’s role as a tastemaker in film culture.