What Is 1988 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1988 National Board of Review (NBR) Awards celebrated excellence in filmmaking from the previous year, recognizing outstanding achievements in direction, acting, and overall cinematic quality. Unlike other major awards, the NBR focuses on artistic merit and cultural significance, often highlighting films that resonate with critics and audiences alike.

Announced in December 1988 and formally presented in January 1989, the awards are selected by a panel of film critics and professionals based in New York City. The NBR has historically served as a precursor to the Academy Awards, often predicting Oscar success due to overlapping tastes in prestige cinema.

• Rain Man was named Best Film, a decision that aligned with its later Oscar win for Best Picture, released in 1988 and directed by Barry Levinson.
• Dustin Hoffman won Best Actor for his portrayal of an autistic savant in Rain Man, a role that earned widespread critical acclaim and multiple year-end honors.
• Meryl Streep received the Best Actress award for her performances across three 1988 films: A Cry in the Dark, Ironweed, and Married to the Mob.
• The Best Director award went to Mike Nichols for Working Girl, a sharp social commentary on gender and class in the corporate world.
• Best Foreign Language Film was awarded to Pelle the Conqueror from Denmark, directed by Bille August, which later won the Academy Award in the same category.

How It Works

The National Board of Review selects its annual honorees through a voting process by its board members, composed of film historians, critics, and industry professionals. The organization emphasizes artistic integrity over box office performance, making its choices distinct from more populist awards.

• Selection Process: Board members view hundreds of films released each year and vote in December to determine the winners. The process is confidential and does not involve public campaigns.
• Eligibility Period: Films must be released in the United States between January 1 and December 31 of the award year, with qualifying screenings in New York City.
• Categories: The NBR recognizes Best Film, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting roles, Foreign Film, Documentary, and Top 10 Films list, among others.
• Timing: Winners are announced in early December, making the NBR one of the first major groups to weigh in on the awards season, influencing Oscar momentum.
• Unique Honors: The NBR sometimes gives special awards for Breakthrough Performance or Freedom of Expression, reflecting its commitment to diverse and bold storytelling.
• Presentation: The awards are formally presented at a gala dinner in New York City each January, attended by filmmakers, actors, and critics.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1988 NBR Awards and the 61st Academy Awards (1989 ceremony) for key categories:

While both the NBR and the Oscars agreed on Best Film, Actor, and Foreign Language Film, they diverged in Best Director and Best Actress. The NBR recognized Mike Nichols for Working Girl, whereas the Oscars favored Barry Levinson. Meryl Streep’s NBR win was a cumulative honor, while Cher won the Oscar for Moonstruck. This highlights how the NBR sometimes celebrates broader contributions rather than single performances.

Why It Matters

The 1988 NBR Awards played a significant role in shaping the critical narrative of that year’s film season, boosting the visibility of key titles during Oscar season. Its early announcement timing gives it outsized influence in the competitive awards landscape.

• Rain Man gained major momentum after the NBR win, helping it secure eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor.
• Mike Nichols received critical validation for Working Girl, a film that combined feminist themes with sharp satire and strong performances.
• The recognition of Pelle the Conqueror helped bring international cinema to wider American audiences, contributing to its Oscar win.
• Meryl Streep winning for multiple roles underscored her dominance in 1988 and reinforced her status as a leading actress.
• The NBR’s Top 10 Films list included diverse titles like The Last Emperor and Mississippi Burning, shaping critical discourse.
• As a non-industry group, the NBR offers a critics’ perspective, balancing the more industry-driven nature of the Oscars and guild awards.

Ultimately, the 1988 National Board of Review Awards highlighted a year rich in dramatic storytelling and strong performances, setting the stage for a memorable awards season and cementing its role as a key influencer in American film culture.