What Is 1966 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1966 National Board of Review Awards recognized the most outstanding achievements in film during that year, highlighting excellence in both American and international cinema. Administered by the National Board of Review (NBR), a New York-based organization founded in 1909, the awards were announced in December 1966, with the formal ceremony held in January 1967.

The NBR has long served as a precursor to the Academy Awards, often predicting Oscar contenders. Unlike other awards, it does not use a voting membership but instead relies on a select committee to choose winners. The 1966 edition was particularly notable for honoring bold, socially conscious films during a transformative era in cinema.

• Best Picture: 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' was honored for its intense performances and groundbreaking adaptation of Edward Albee’s play.
• Best Director: Mike Nichols received the award for his debut film direction, marking a significant achievement in his career.
• Best Actor: Richard Burton was recognized for his role as George in 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?', showcasing his dramatic range.
• Best Actress: Elizabeth Taylor won for her transformative performance as Martha, a role that earned her an Academy Award.
• Best Foreign Language Film: 'The Battle of Algiers', directed by Gillo Pontecorvo, was praised for its documentary-style realism and political impact.

Major Honorees and Categories

The 1966 NBR Awards celebrated a mix of dramatic intensity and international storytelling, reflecting the cultural shifts of the mid-1960s. The selections emphasized performances and narratives that pushed cinematic boundaries, often tackling controversial themes like marital dysfunction and colonial conflict.

• Best Supporting Actor: Peter Finch won for his role in 'The Sand Pebbles', a performance noted for its emotional depth and nuance.
• Best Supporting Actress: Sandy Dennis was honored for her work in 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?', reinforcing the film’s dominance.
• Best Documentary: 'The Eleanor Roosevelt Story' was recognized for its comprehensive portrayal of the influential First Lady.
• Best Film from Any Source: 'A Man for All Seasons' was cited for its historical integrity and strong ensemble cast.
• Best Screenplay: The award went to 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?', adapted by Ernest Lehman, for its sharp dialogue and fidelity to the source material.
• Special Recognition: The NBR gave a special citation to 'The Battle of Algiers' for its powerful depiction of anti-colonial resistance.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key 1966 NBR winners with their Oscar outcomes, highlighting alignment and divergence between the two honors.

While the NBR and Oscars aligned on Elizabeth Taylor’s win, they diverged on Best Picture and Best Director. 'A Man for All Seasons' ultimately won the Oscar for Best Picture, whereas the NBR favored the more controversial 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?'. This contrast illustrates differing tastes between New York critics and the broader Academy.

Why It Matters

The 1966 National Board of Review Awards remain significant for their early recognition of films that shaped 1960s cinema. By honoring bold narratives and performances, the NBR helped legitimize challenging content in mainstream film.

• The awards spotlighted Elizabeth Taylor’s dramatic transformation, cementing her status beyond Hollywood glamour.
• Mike Nichols’ win signaled the arrival of a new generation of American directors influenced by theater and realism.
• 'The Battle of Algiers' gained international attention, influencing future political filmmaking.
• The NBR’s early announcement date gives it influence on Oscar campaigning and media narratives.
• Recognition of documentary and foreign films underscored the NBR’s commitment to global cinema.
• The 1966 awards reflected a shift toward socially relevant themes, including race, war, and personal identity.

Today, the 1966 NBR Awards are remembered as a pivotal moment in film criticism, capturing a year when cinema began to confront complex truths with unflinching honesty.