The Tamesis
You know awards season is coming, and the marble floors and cathedral-like ceilings of Cipriani 42 Street echo with the chatter of moviegoers: “What do you like? What’s overrated? Who gave you the best career? What’s your hit song?” The National Board of Review’s annual awards show returned Tuesday night, bringing a slew of Hollywood directors, actors and familiar faces to the famed Manhattan venue.
Recognized films for the celebration include train dream, If I had legs I would kick you, Arco, cover upand Walk with your soul in your hands–With Paul Thomas Anderson one battle after another Becoming the center of gravity of the night, winning five honors.
While award shows are a standard event this time of year, the National Board of Review operates with a gentle charm of its own. One: It’s not televised and it’s not meant to go viral. With winners announced in advance, the program leans toward something more personal. Speakers are also paired with recipients who share their creative history, so the presentation feels less like an obligation and more like an honest and genuine conversation between collaborators.
For example, Ryan Coogler’s host is none other than Michael B. Jordan, who hosted two critically acclaimed movies: sinner and creed. Ann Dowd presents Chase Infiniti with Breakthrough Performance Award one battle after anotherspoke with that fond specialness that comes naturally when you’re in the trenches together. (The two just finished filming this will, It will air in April. ) Rose Byrne’s award was presented by Paul Rudd, who took a quick and hilarious detour to demonstrate the mastery of her spinach pie recipe, as well as her many other talents, in a night filled with lofty praise. Emily Blunt, Maya Rudolph, Martin Scorsese and Louisa Jacobson, among others, also cheered on the audience.
The night’s most talked about attendee was Leonardo DiCaprio, who has lived a literal life in the National Board of Review’s universe. The NBR first honored him in 1993 What is Gilbert Grape eating?. More than thirty years later, he took to the stage to accept the Best Actor award. one battle after another. Even after all this time, he has not lost this honor. “My father took me to the theater to see my first movie when I was four,” he shared. “I remember staring at the giant screen in complete awe and crying hysterically at the end of the show King Kong. Something changed in me. Film became a way for me to escape the constraints of my surroundings…a place where something greater than my own life became possible. “
DiCaprio also used his moment in the spotlight to wax lyrical about working with Anderson. “At some point, each of us is sitting in a movie theater. The lights dim and something on the screen rearranges how we see the world and ourselves,” he said. “Paul, your original impact on original film storytelling reminds us why it’s still important to sit in a dark theater and give your full attention to a great story.”
