What Is 1960 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1960 National Board of Review Awards celebrated the finest achievements in filmmaking from the year 1959. Administered by the National Board of Review (NBR), a New York-based organization, these honors were announced in December 1959 and formally recognized in early 1960.

Unlike some awards tied to box office or popularity, the NBR focuses on artistic excellence, technical innovation, and cultural impact. The 1960 awards reflected a transitional era in Hollywood, blending epic studio productions with emerging socially conscious narratives.

• Best Film:Ben-Hur was honored as the top motion picture of 1959, a sweeping historical epic produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and directed by William Wyler.
• Best Actor: Charlton Heston received the award for his portrayal of Judah Ben-Hur, a performance that also earned him the Academy Award later that year.
• Best Director: William Wyler was recognized for his direction of Ben-Hur, marking one of the most acclaimed directorial achievements of the decade.
• Top Foreign Films: The NBR highlighted international cinema by naming five Best Foreign Films, including Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal from Sweden.
• Special Mentions: Films like Anatomy of a Murder and North by Northwest received recognition for excellence in storytelling and direction.

How It Works

The National Board of Review evaluates films through a voting process conducted by a panel of film professionals, academics, and critics. The selection criteria emphasize artistic merit, originality, and cultural significance over commercial performance.

• Selection Process:Each year, members view a curated selection of films released in the U.S., with voting conducted in December to determine the year’s honorees.
• Categories:The NBR awards include Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and multiple slots for top foreign and independent films.
• Timing:Awards are announced in early December, making the NBR one of the first groups to influence the awards season conversation.
• Judging Panel:The board consists of over 30 members, including film historians, journalists, and industry professionals based primarily in New York.
• Historical Context:Founded in 1909, the NBR began as a censorship review body and evolved into a major film advocacy and awards organization by the 1930s.
• Impact:Winning an NBR award often boosts a film’s visibility and momentum during Oscar season, especially for independent or lesser-known titles.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1960 NBR Awards can be better understood by comparing its winners to other major accolades of the time.

This comparison shows that the NBR often aligned with the Academy Awards on major winners like Ben-Hur, but also championed films and directors that were overlooked elsewhere. Their early announcement date gives them influence in shaping the broader awards narrative, particularly for foreign and independent cinema. The inclusion of multiple foreign films each year underscores the NBR’s commitment to global storytelling.

Why It Matters

The 1960 National Board of Review Awards hold historical significance as a marker of cinematic excellence during a pivotal year in film history. As studios produced large-scale epics while independent voices gained traction, the NBR helped balance recognition between commercial and artistic achievements.

• Legacy of Ben-Hur:The film won 11 Oscars and remains one of the most awarded films in history, with the NBR recognition reinforcing its early acclaim.
• Promotion of Foreign Cinema:By honoring films likeThe 400 Blows and The Seventh Seal, the NBR introduced American audiences to the French New Wave and European art cinema.
• Influence on Oscars:Many NBR winners go on to receive Oscar nominations, making the awards a reliable predictor of Academy success.
• Support for Independent Film:The NBR has long spotlighted low-budget and auteur-driven films that might otherwise be overlooked in mainstream awards.
• Educational Role:As a nonprofit, the NBR hosts screenings and discussions, promoting film literacy and critical appreciation.
• Historical Record:Annual awards listings provide researchers and historians with insight into evolving cinematic tastes and cultural values.

Today, the National Board of Review continues to shape the conversation around film excellence, maintaining its role as a respected and influential voice in American cinema.