What Is 1989 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1989 National Board of Review (NBR) Awards recognized outstanding achievements in filmmaking during that year, highlighting excellence in storytelling, performance, and direction. These honors are among the earliest announced each awards season and often signal momentum for films heading into the Oscars.

Selected by a group of film enthusiasts, academics, and industry professionals, the NBR Awards have long served as a precursor to the Academy Awards. The 1989 winners reflected a mix of critical acclaim and cultural resonance, with several honorees going on to win Oscars.

• Driving Miss Daisy was named Best Film, a drama about an elderly Jewish woman and her Black chauffeur in the segregated American South, directed by Bruce Beresford.
• Morgan Freeman won Best Actor for his portrayal of Hoke Colburn, a role that earned him widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.
• Jessica Tandy received Best Actress for playing Daisy Werthan, becoming the oldest Oscar winner in history the following year at age 80.
• The film Do the Right Thing by Spike Lee was honored with a Special Citation, recognizing its bold exploration of racial tensions in Brooklyn.
• The awards were announced in December 1989, with the ceremony held in early January 1990, continuing the NBR’s tradition of early-season recognition.

How It Works

The National Board of Review selects its annual honorees through a voting process by its membership, which includes film scholars, professionals, and New York-based cinephiles. The selections emphasize artistic merit, cultural impact, and technical excellence.

• Best Film: Awarded to Driving Miss Daisy, a choice reflecting its emotional depth and historical significance in portraying race relations in the 1960s South.
• Best Actor: Morgan Freeman won for his nuanced, dignified performance as Hoke, marking a career-defining role that showcased his restrained power.
• Best Actress: Jessica Tandy’s win underscored her masterful performance, blending humor, pride, and vulnerability as a stubborn Atlanta matriarch.
• Special Citation:Do the Right Thing received this honor for its fearless depiction of racial conflict, cementing Spike Lee’s reputation as a vital American voice.
• Top Foreign Films: The NBR listed ten international films, including Cinema Paradiso from Italy and Music Box from Hungary, highlighting global storytelling excellence.
• Freedom of Expression Award: Given to Born in Flames, a feminist sci-fi film that critiqued media and gender politics, recognizing bold independent filmmaking.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1989 NBR Awards compared to other major honors:

The NBR often diverges from the Oscars, as seen in the Best Actor category—Freeman won the NBR but Hoffman won the Oscar for the same film. This highlights how different voting bodies weigh performances. The NBR’s recognition of Do the Right Thing also contrasted with the Academy’s initial reluctance to honor Spike Lee’s work at the time.

Why It Matters

The 1989 National Board of Review Awards hold historical significance for shaping early awards season narratives and spotlighting socially relevant cinema. They helped propel Driving Miss Daisy into the Oscar spotlight while also honoring riskier, independent works.

• Driving Miss Daisy went on to win Best Picture at the Oscars, validating the NBR’s early endorsement.
• Morgan Freeman gained wider recognition, launching him into leading roles in major Hollywood films.
• Jessica Tandy’s win highlighted the value of veteran actors, inspiring later recognition of older performers.
• The Special Citation for Do the Right Thing affirmed the importance of diverse voices in American cinema.
• The NBR’s Top Ten Films list included both mainstream and indie titles, reflecting balanced critical taste.
• The awards underscored New York’s influence in film criticism, distinct from Hollywood’s commercial priorities.

Today, the 1989 NBR Awards are remembered not only for predicting Oscar success but also for championing films that addressed race, aging, and justice—themes that remain vital in cinema.