National Board of Review Announces 2023 Award Winners
NEW YORK,NY – The National Board of Review (NBR) today unveiled its selections for the best films of 2023,signaling the official launch of awards season. The NBR’s picks highlight a mix of widely anticipated contenders and independent titles, sparking debate amongst industry observers even as they set the stage for upcoming accolades.
The NBR’s selections reveal a landscape dominated by films already generating meaningful Oscar buzz, including several Netflix releases. Their Top 10 list features The Baltimoreons, Bring Her Back, Father Mother Sister Brother, Friendship, Good Boy, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, The Mastermind, Rebuilding, Sorry, Baby, and Urchin. The organization also recognized top documentaries - 2000 Meters to Andriivka, Come See Me in the Good Light, My Mom Jayne, Natchez, and Orwell: 2+2=5 – and international films, including Left-Handed Girl, The Love That Remains, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, and Sirat.
Notably absent from the NBR’s lists is A house of Dynamite, a film many expected to receive recognition. The inclusion of Wicked: For Good despite mixed reviews also raised eyebrows. Conversely, rental Family‘s reappearance in the conversation after a lukewarm initial reception was a surprise. The NBR’s support for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, extending beyond its lead actress, was welcomed, as was the recognition of Bring Her Back and urchin as the only non-American productions within the independent film category – though Bring Her Back benefited from A24’s distribution despite its Australian origins. The documentary selections were largely considered respectable, while Sirat and The Love That Remains emerged as unexpected choices over No Other Choice in the international film category. The Icelandic film Left-Handed Girl, despite playing out of competition at Cannes, received praise for its unique tonal approach. Its Spirit Award nomination and NBR recognition may influence Neon’s campaign strategy for the remainder of the awards season.
