What Is 2004 National Board of Review Awards

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2004 National Board of Review Awards honored outstanding films and performances from 2004, announced on December 10, 2004. The awards recognized achievements in acting, directing, and screenwriting, with 'The Passion of the Christ' named Best Picture.

Key Facts

The 2004 National Board of Review Awards were announced on December 10, 2004
Mel Gibson’s 'The Passion of the Christ' won Best Picture
Jamie Foxx won Best Actor for his role in 'Ray'
Laura Linney won Best Actress for 'Kinsey'
The awards ceremony honored 23 categories including film, acting, and directing

Overview

The 2004 National Board of Review (NBR) Awards celebrated the most distinguished achievements in film during the 2004 calendar year. Announced on December 10, 2004, the honors highlighted a diverse range of cinematic excellence, from independent films to major studio productions.

Unlike other major film awards, the NBR operates independently of industry studios and unions, offering early recognition that often influences the broader awards season. The organization, founded in 1909, selects winners based on artistic integrity and social relevance, not box office performance.

Best Picture went to Mel Gibson’s controversial and critically acclaimed 'The Passion of the Christ', a film shot entirely in Aramaic, Latin, and Hebrew.
Jamie Foxx received the Best Actor award for his transformative portrayal of Ray Charles in 'Ray', a performance later recognized at the Oscars.
Laura Linney earned Best Actress honors for her role as Clara McMillen in 'Kinsey', a biographical drama about sex researcher Alfred Kinsey.
Paul Haggis won Best Original Screenplay for 'Crash', a film that would go on to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
The Top 10 Films list included 'The Passion of the Christ', 'Sideways', 'Ray', 'Million Dollar Baby', and 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'.

How It Works

The National Board of Review selects its annual honorees through a voting process conducted by a panel of film enthusiasts, academics, and industry professionals based in New York. The process begins in November, with members viewing eligible films before voting in early December.

Eligibility Period: Films must be publicly screened in New York City between January 1 and December 31 of the award year. This ensures timely recognition and relevance to the current cinematic landscape.
Voting Members: The NBR comprises over 200 members, including film historians, critics, and educators, who independently view and evaluate submissions before casting ballots.
Award Categories: The NBR recognizes 23 distinct categories, including Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Emerging Actor/Actress, plus special honors like Freedom of Expression.
Selection Criteria: Films are judged on artistic merit, storytelling, and social impact, with an emphasis on originality and cultural significance rather than commercial success.
Announcement Timing: Winners are revealed in early December, making the NBR one of the first major award bodies to weigh in on the Oscar race, influencing industry momentum.
Freedom of Expression Award: In 2004, this honor was given to 'The Passion of the Christ' for its bold narrative approach and global cultural impact, despite religious controversy.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2004 NBR Awards can be compared with other major film honors to understand its unique positioning in the awards season.

Award	Best Picture Winner (2004)	Announcement Date	Key Difference
National Board of Review	The Passion of the Christ	December 10, 2004	Selected by independent panel; emphasizes cultural impact
Golden Globes	Million Dollar Baby	January 16, 2005	Voted on by Hollywood Foreign Press Association
SAG Awards	Motion Picture Cast – 'Sideways'	February 5, 2005	Decided by actors’ union members
Academy Awards	Million Dollar Baby	February 27, 2005	Industry-voted; highest-profile film honors
Critics Choice	Lost in Translation	January 11, 2005	Selected by Broadcast Film Critics Association

The NBR’s early announcement gives it influence as a predictor and trendsetter. While it diverged from the Oscars by honoring 'The Passion of the Christ' over 'Million Dollar Baby', its recognition of 'Crash' for Best Original Screenplay aligned with later Academy success.

Why It Matters

The 2004 NBR Awards played a pivotal role in shaping early Oscar narratives and spotlighting films with artistic and cultural significance. Its independent selection process lends credibility and often highlights under-the-radar performances and stories.

The recognition of Jamie Foxx helped solidify his status as a leading actor, contributing to his eventual Academy Award win.
Paul Haggis winning for 'Crash' signaled early support for the film, which later won Best Picture at the Oscars.
The Freedom of Expression Award for 'The Passion of the Christ' underscored the film’s global cultural resonance despite religious debate.
By honoring 'Sideways' in the Top 10, the NBR helped boost the film’s visibility during awards season.
The NBR’s early timeline provides strategic momentum for studios campaigning their films for Oscars.
Its emphasis on independent and socially conscious cinema encourages diversity in mainstream film recognition.

Overall, the 2004 National Board of Review Awards served as a significant early marker in the awards season, celebrating bold storytelling and performances that resonated across audiences and critics alike.