What Is 1990 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1990 National Board of Review Awards celebrated the finest achievements in filmmaking during the 1990 cinematic year. Administered by the National Board of Review (NBR), a New York-based organization founded in 1909, the awards highlighted excellence in direction, acting, and storytelling.

Unlike many industry awards, the NBR focuses on artistic merit and cultural significance rather than box office performance. The winners were announced in December 1990, setting early momentum for the 1991 awards season, including the Oscars.

• Goodfellas was named Best Film, recognizing Martin Scorsese’s masterful direction and the film’s lasting cultural impact.
• Martin Scorsese received the Best Director award for 'Goodfellas', cementing his status as a leading American auteur.
• Jeremy Irons won Best Actor for his chilling portrayal of Claus von Bülow in 'Reversal of Fortune', a performance lauded for its subtlety.
• Anjelica Huston earned Best Actress honors for her role as Lilly Dillon in 'The Grifters', a noir thriller praised for its intensity.
• The NBR also recognized Best Foreign Language Film, awarding 'Cinema Paradiso' from Italy, directed by Giuseppe Tornatore.

How It Works

The National Board of Review selects winners through a voting process by its members, composed of film historians, academics, and professionals.

• Voting Process: Members view eligible films released in the calendar year and vote confidentially to determine winners in major categories.
• Eligibility Window: Films must have had a theatrical release in New York City between January 1 and December 31, 1990, to qualify.
• Announcement Timing: Winners are typically announced in early December, positioning the NBR as one of the first major awards of the season.
• Categories: The NBR honors Best Film, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting roles, Foreign Film, and sometimes special achievement awards.
• Selection Criteria: Emphasis is placed on artistic integrity, narrative strength, and cultural relevance rather than commercial success.
• Award Ceremony: Winners are honored at a gala event in January, often attended by filmmakers and industry leaders.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1990 NBR Awards compared to other major accolades of the season:

The NBR often aligns with critics’ groups like NYFCC and LAFCA, but diverges from the Golden Globes and Oscars, which favored 'Dances with Wolves' in top categories. This contrast highlights the NBR’s preference for bold, auteur-driven cinema over epic storytelling.

Why It Matters

The 1990 NBR Awards played a pivotal role in shaping the critical narrative for that year’s films, influencing Oscar predictions and public perception.

• Goodfellas gained significant momentum after the NBR win, eventually earning six Oscar nominations despite not winning Best Picture.
• The recognition of Jeremy Irons foreshadowed his Academy Award win, validating his performance as a career highlight.
• Anjelica Huston’s win underscored the NBR’s support for complex female roles in crime dramas, a genre often dominated by male leads.
• The award for Cinema Paradiso introduced international audiences to Italian cinema, boosting its U.S. box office and critical acclaim.
• By honoring independent and foreign films, the NBR reinforced its mission to champion diverse cinematic voices beyond Hollywood.
• The early announcement timing gives the NBR outsized influence in media coverage and awards season forecasting.

Ultimately, the 1990 National Board of Review Awards not only celebrated artistic excellence but also helped define the legacy of a transformative year in film.