What Is 1972 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1972 National Board of Review (NBR) Awards recognized excellence in filmmaking during the 1972 calendar year. As one of the oldest and most respected film honors in the United States, the NBR's selections often foreshadowed later success during awards season, including the Oscars.

Established in 1909, the National Board of Review operates as a nonprofit organization composed of film professionals, academics, and critics. Its annual awards are determined by a jury that evaluates artistic quality, technical achievement, and cultural impact of films released that year.

• Best Picture was awarded to 'The Godfather', a crime epic directed by Francis Ford Coppola that grossed over $245 million worldwide.
• Best Actor went to Marlon Brando for his iconic portrayal of Vito Corleone, a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination.
• Best Actress was awarded to Liza Minnelli for her performance as Sally Bowles in 'Cabaret', a role that won her the Oscar.
• Best Foreign Language Film was given to 'The Emigrants' from Sweden, directed by Jan Troell and based on a novel by Vilhelm Moberg.
• Best Director honors were bestowed upon Bob Fosse for 'Cabaret', a musical drama that challenged traditional narrative structure in film.

How It Works

The National Board of Review evaluates films based on a combination of critical consensus, artistic merit, and cultural significance. Unlike peer-voted awards, the NBR is selected by a jury of film experts who meet annually to deliberate on the year's best work.

• Selection Process: A jury of 300 film enthusiasts, critics, and industry professionals reviews eligible films released in the calendar year.
• Voting Method: Members submit ballots after viewing nominated films, with winners determined by a majority vote in each category.
• Announcement Timing: Winners are typically announced in early December, making the NBR one of the first major awards of the season.
• Eligibility Period: Films must have had a qualifying theatrical release in New York City between January 1 and December 31, 2022.
• Award Categories: The NBR recognizes up to 10 films in its Top Ten list, plus individual honors for acting, directing, and foreign films.
• Influence on Oscars: NBR winners often overlap with Oscar nominees; in 1972, 'The Godfather' went on to win 3 Academy Awards.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1972 NBR Awards compared to other major film honors of the year:

While the NBR and NYFCC both selected 'The Godfather' as the year's best film, the Golden Globes favored 'Cabaret' for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. This divergence highlights how different voting bodies prioritize genre and tone. The NBR’s early announcement date gives it influence in shaping Oscar momentum, particularly for films like 'The Godfather' that combine commercial success with critical acclaim.

Why It Matters

The 1972 NBR Awards played a pivotal role in validating a transformative year in American cinema. By honoring 'The Godfather', the board helped cement its legacy as a landmark film in both popular and critical discourse.

• Cultural Impact: 'The Godfather' redefined the gangster genre and influenced countless films and TV series in the decades that followed.
• Box Office Success: The film earned $134 million domestically in 1972, making it the highest-grossing film of the year.
• Oscar Precursor: NBR recognition boosted 'The Godfather’s' profile, contributing to its 10 Academy Award nominations.
• Actor Recognition: Marlon Brando’s NBR win preceded his controversial Oscar win, where he declined the award.
• Foreign Film Spotlight: Awarding 'The Emigrants' highlighted international cinema and encouraged U.S. distribution of non-English films.
• Legacy: The 1972 awards underscored the NBR’s role in identifying enduring classics early in the awards cycle.

The 1972 National Board of Review Awards not only celebrated exceptional filmmaking but also helped shape the trajectory of award-season narratives, proving the organization’s lasting influence on Hollywood recognition.