What Is 1978 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1978 National Board of Review Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in cinema during a transformative year for American film. Announced in December 1978, the honors highlighted excellence in storytelling, performance, and direction from movies released that calendar year.

Among the most prestigious recognitions was Best Picture, awarded to The Deer Hunter, a powerful war drama that captured critical acclaim. The National Board of Review (NBR), founded in 1909, has long served as an influential voice in early awards season, often predicting Oscar contenders.

• The Deer Hunter was named Best Picture for its harrowing portrayal of Vietnam War soldiers and their emotional aftermath.
• Coming Home earned dual honors, with Jon Voight winning Best Actor and Jane Fonda receiving Best Actress.
• Michael Cimino received the Best Director award, cementing his status as a major filmmaker following the success of The Deer Hunter.
• Heaven Can Wait was recognized as one of the Top Ten Films of the year, showcasing a resurgence in fantasy-comedy storytelling.
• Best Foreign Language Film went to Get Out Your Handkerchiefs, a French comedy-drama directed by Bertrand Blier.

How It Works

The National Board of Review selects winners through a voting process conducted by a panel of film enthusiasts, academics, and professionals. Unlike guild or industry awards, the NBR operates independently, focusing on artistic merit rather than box office performance.

• Selection Process: A committee views hundreds of films released annually and votes to determine winners and top ten lists.
• Announcement Timing: Winners are typically announced in early December, making NBR one of the first major awards of the season.
• Categories: The NBR awards include Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and a Top Ten Films list, plus special honors.
• Judging Criteria: Films are evaluated based on storytelling, technical execution, emotional impact, and originality, without regard to budget.
• Independence: The NBR is not affiliated with any studio or guild, allowing for impartial recognition of cinematic excellence.
• Historical Influence: Since 1909, NBR choices have often aligned with Academy Award nominees, boosting films’ awards visibility.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1978 NBR Awards compared across key categories and their later Oscar outcomes:

The alignment between the 1978 NBR Awards and the 1979 Academy Awards was striking, especially in major categories. This correlation reinforced the NBR’s reputation as a reliable early indicator in the awards season. While foreign film recognition diverged, the NBR’s endorsement helped elevate international titles in U.S. discourse.

Why It Matters

The 1978 awards underscored a shift toward socially conscious cinema, reflecting the era’s post-Vietnam War introspection and evolving gender roles. These honors not only validated artistic risk-taking but also influenced public and critical reception.

• Awards Momentum: Winning an NBR honor often boosts a film’s visibility during the crucial early phase of awards season.
• Cultural Reflection:The Deer Hunter and Coming Home addressed trauma and patriotism, resonating with national conversations.
• Actor Recognition: Jane Fonda’s win highlighted her comeback and commitment to roles with political and emotional depth.
• Director Spotlight: Michael Cimino’s recognition paved the way for greater creative freedom in Hollywood filmmaking.
• Foreign Film Exposure: The NBR’s choice of Get Out Your Handkerchiefs introduced American audiences to bold European storytelling.
• Legacy Building: The 1978 awards contributed to the NBR’s enduring influence in shaping cinematic history and Oscar forecasts.

Today, the 1978 National Board of Review Awards are remembered as a pivotal moment in film history, where artistry and social commentary converged. Their outcomes not only celebrated individual excellence but also signaled broader shifts in American cinema.