What Is 1967 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1967 National Board of Review Awards recognized excellence in filmmaking during a transformative year for cinema. As one of the oldest film honors in the United States, the NBR Awards highlighted bold storytelling and performances that pushed cultural boundaries.

Announced in December 1967 and celebrated in January 1968, the awards reflected critical acclaim rather than box office success. The selections often foreshadowed later success during awards season, including the Academy Awards.

• Best Picture:In the Heat of the Night won for its powerful narrative on racial tension and justice in the American South.
• Best Director: Mike Nichols received the award for The Graduate, a film that captured generational disillusionment.
• Best Actor: Rod Steiger was honored for his commanding performance as Virgil Tibbs in In the Heat of the Night.
• Best Actress: Katharine Hepburn won for her role in The Lion in Winter, showcasing her commanding screen presence.
• Best Foreign Language Film:Accattone by Pier Paolo Pasolini earned recognition for its raw, neorealist style.

How It Works

The National Board of Review selects winners through a voting process by a panel of film critics, academics, and industry professionals based in New York. The organization emphasizes artistic merit, cultural impact, and technical achievement.

• Selection Panel:Over 200 members vote annually, including critics and filmmakers, ensuring diverse perspectives in the final choices.
• Eligibility Period: Films must have had a theatrical release in New York City between January 1 and December 31, 1967.
• Voting Process: Members submit ballots after private screenings, with winners determined by a plurality vote.
• Award Categories: The NBR recognizes Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Foreign Film, and Top 10 Films each year.
• Announcement Timing: Winners are typically announced in December, ahead of other major awards like the Oscars.
• Ceremony: The awards dinner is held in January 1968 in New York City, attended by filmmakers and honorees.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1967 NBR winners and their performance at the 40th Academy Awards in 1968.

The alignment between the National Board of Review and the Academy Awards in 1967 was striking—nearly all major NBR winners went on to win Oscars. This demonstrated the NBR's influence as an early predictor of awards success. The organization's focus on socially relevant films like In the Heat of the Night reflected broader cultural shifts in post-1960s America.

Why It Matters

The 1967 NBR Awards marked a pivotal moment in film history, celebrating movies that challenged norms and addressed pressing social issues. These honors helped elevate films with artistic integrity over purely commercial ventures.

• Cultural Relevance:In the Heat of the Night addressed racial injustice at a time of civil rights upheaval, making it a landmark film.
• Actor Recognition: Rod Steiger’s win underscored the value of intense, method-driven performances in American cinema.
• Director Spotlight: Mike Nichols’ success signaled the rise of younger, more innovative directors in Hollywood.
• Foreign Film Impact: Honoring Accattone introduced American audiences to Italian neorealism’s gritty realism.
• Awards Season Influence: The NBR’s early announcement gives it significant sway in Oscar campaigns and media coverage.
• Historical Record: The 1967 awards preserve a snapshot of cinematic excellence during a turbulent year in U.S. history.

Today, the National Board of Review continues to shape critical discourse in film, maintaining its legacy as a tastemaker in the industry. The 1967 awards remain a testament to cinema’s power to reflect and influence society.