The National Board of Review (NBR) has named Jon M. Chu’s lavish musical Wicked as the best film of 2024, awarding the director and its stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, with top honors. The announcement on Wednesday solidifies Wicked as not only a box-office phenomenon but also a major contender in the upcoming awards season, including the Academy Awards.
In addition to winning Best Film, Chu was named Best Director, while Erivo and Grande received the NBR Spotlight Award for their creative collaboration.
“Wicked represents the pure magic that movies can bring to audiences,” said Annie Schulhof, NBR president. “Every detail is beautifully crafted and designed, the actors are all exceptional, and the music is second-to-none — together, it adds up to a transporting experience like no other.”
Awards Season Momentum Builds
The recognition gives Wicked an early edge heading into the Golden Globe nominations on Monday, where the film is expected to perform strongly. While the NBR is not affiliated with the Academy, the New York-based organization, founded in 1909, often sets the tone for awards season.
Other major winners included Daniel Craig, named Best Actor for his role in Luca Guadagnino’s adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ Queer, and Nicole Kidman, who took home Best Actress for her performance in Halina Reijn’s Babygirl. Supporting acting awards went to Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) and Elle Fanning (A Complete Unknown).
Full List of 2024 NBR Winners
- Best Film: Wicked
- Best Director: Jon M. Chu, Wicked
- Best Actor: Daniel Craig, Queer
- Best Actress: Nicole Kidman, Babygirl
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
- Best Supporting Actress: Elle Fanning, A Complete Unknown
- Best Ensemble: Conclave
- Breakthrough Performance: Mikey Madison, Anora
- Best Directorial Debut: India Donaldson, Good One
- Best Original Screenplay: Mike Leigh, Hard Truths
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar, Sing Sing
- NBR Spotlight Award: Creative Collaboration of Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande
- NBR Freedom of Expression Award: No Other Land
- Best Animated Feature: Flow
- Best International Film: The Seed of the Sacred Fig
- Best Documentary: Sugarcane
- Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography: Jarin Blaschke, Nosferatu
- Outstanding Achievement in Stunt Artistry: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Upcoming Gala and Broader Awards Landscape
The NBR Awards will be presented at an untelevised gala on January 7 in New York, hosted by Willie Geist. This announcement caps a busy week for Hollywood, following the Gotham Awards, the New York Film Critics Circle selections, and the Spirit Awards nominations.
With Wicked dominating early buzz, the stage is set for an exciting awards season ahead.
