What Is 2006 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 2006 National Board of Review (NBR) Awards recognized outstanding achievements in filmmaking during the year 2006. These awards are among the earliest to be announced in the annual film awards season, often serving as a predictor for later honors such as the Oscars.

Selected by a group of film professionals, academics, and students, the NBR emphasizes artistic excellence and cultural significance in cinema. The 2006 winners reflected a diverse range of international and American productions.

• Announcement Date: The winners were revealed on December 7, 2006, ahead of most other major film awards.
• Ceremony Date: The formal awards event was held on January 16, 2007, at Cipriani Midtown in New York City.
• Best Film:Babel, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, won the top prize for its powerful interwoven global narrative.
• Best Director: Paul Greengrass was honored for United 93, a gripping dramatization of the final moments of the ill-fated flight.
• Breakout Performance: Jennifer Hudson received the Breakthrough Performance award for her role in Dreamgirls, marking her film debut.

Winners & Categories

The 2006 NBR Awards featured a broad spectrum of categories, celebrating both mainstream and independent cinema. Each winner was selected based on artistic merit, storytelling innovation, and emotional impact.

• Best Actor:Forest Whitaker won for his transformative role as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland.
• Best Actress:Helen Mirren was honored for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen.
• Best Supporting Actor:Mark Wahlberg earned recognition for his performance in The Departed.
• Best Supporting Actress:Cate Blanchett won for her role as Bob Dylan in I'm Not There.
• Best Animated Film:Happy Feet was selected for its visual creativity and environmental themes.
• Best Foreign Language Film:Letters from Iwo Jima, directed by Clint Eastwood, won for its humanizing perspective on WWII Japanese soldiers.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of NBR 2006 winners and their alignment with other major awards:

The NBR often highlights films with strong social themes, which sometimes diverge from the Academy’s preferences. However, in 2006, key acting and screenplay awards aligned closely with eventual Oscar results, reinforcing the NBR’s influence in awards season momentum.

Why It Matters

The 2006 National Board of Review Awards played a significant role in shaping the narrative of that year’s film season. By spotlighting performances and films early, the NBR helps build industry and public awareness ahead of the Oscars.

• Prestige: The NBR is one of the oldest film organizations, founded in 1909, lending historical weight to its selections.
• Early Indicator: Its December announcement makes it a key barometer for Oscar predictions and media coverage.
• Diversity: The 2006 awards highlighted international films like Babel and Letters from Iwo Jima, promoting global cinema.
• Career Impact: Winning a NBR award can significantly boost an actor’s or director’s visibility and future opportunities.
• Independent Film Support: Films like Little Miss Sunshine gained momentum through NBR recognition.
• Cultural Influence: The awards often reflect broader societal values, such as honoring United 93 for its respectful treatment of a national tragedy.

The 2006 NBR Awards not only celebrated excellence but also helped define the cinematic legacy of that year, influencing both critical discourse and award outcomes.