Days after clinching a single award at the Golden Globes for its box office prowess, the musical sensation Wicked reclaimed its spotlight at the National Board of Review (NBR) Awards. The gala, held Tuesday at Cipriani’s in New York, honored the film’s cast, director, and creative brilliance in a star-studded, untelevised event filled with humor, heartfelt speeches, and a touch of irreverence.
Wicked Dominates the Evening
The night’s big winner was Jon M. Chu’s Wicked, taking home awards for Best Film and Best Director, alongside a special accolade for the collaborative brilliance of stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Chu, visibly moved, reflected on his long-standing commitment to the project, sharing anecdotes that blended humor and sentiment.
“So lengthy has my time in Oz been that I had three children during its making, including one born the day of the movie’s premiere,” joked Chu, quipping, “No twins, same mom—I know what you guys are whispering.”
The camaraderie between Grande and Erivo also took center stage. The duo exchanged playful jabs while lauding each other’s artistry. “I truly think you would have murdered anyone else,” quipped Grande. Erivo shot back, “Probably true.”
Lin-Manuel Miranda introduced Chu with effusive praise, underscoring the director’s vision and resilience. Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds, a self-professed Wicked fan, poked fun at his own parenting while celebrating Chu’s dedication.
“The man missed the premiere of his own film so he could attend the birth of his fifth child,” Reynolds noted. “I barely made it to the inception of my own children.”
Glamour, Grit, and a Dash of Humor
The NBR Awards are known for their intimate and star-packed atmosphere, and Tuesday night was no exception. For many nominees, the gala offered a chance to share their alternate Golden Globes speeches with a crowd that felt both supportive and sophisticated.
Nicole Kidman, awarded Best Actress for her role in Babygirl, brought both elegance and humor. After chugging a glass of milk—a nod to the film’s provocative themes—she declared, “Good girl!” to thunderous applause.
Not everyone was enamored by the old-school New York setting. Kieran Culkin, who won Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, remarked on the dated vibe of the venue, joking, “The bathroom attendant, that shouldn’t exist anymore.”
Christine Baranski, presenting during the evening, took a more pointed jab at the Golden Globes. “Isn’t this room just a little bit classier than the Beverly Hilton?” she teased, drawing laughter from the audience.
Honoring the Craft and Its Creators
True to tradition, each award recipient was introduced by a close collaborator or admirer, lending a personal touch to the proceedings. This year’s lineup was as eclectic as it was heartfelt.
- Daniel Craig, who won Best Actor for his role in Luca Guadagnino’s Queer, dedicated his award “to the dreamers in the room,” emphasizing the importance of bold storytelling.
- Robert Pattinson presented India Donaldson with the Breakthrough Director award, calling her debut film Good One “one of the most exciting works I’ve seen in years.”
- Sofia Coppola introduced Elle Fanning, the Best Supporting Actress winner for A Complete Unknown, reminiscing about their early collaboration on Somewhere.
Even surprise pairings brought genuine moments. John Lithgow, part of the Best Ensemble-winning cast of Conclave, introduced Mikey Madison, winner of Breakthrough Performance for Anora. Lithgow’s effusive praise included an unexpected descriptor that had Madison—and the audience—laughing. “I never thought John Lithgow would call me ‘sexually athletic,’” she said, blushing.
Animation, Ensemble, and Inspiration
The NBR’s eclectic selections extended to its animated and ensemble awards.
Carol Kane, presenting Best Animated Film to the Latvian masterpiece Flow, admitted she wasn’t initially a fan of animation. “I like to watch people,” she confessed, before relenting: “Animals, for a long time now, have been some of my favorite people.”
Marc Platt, producer of Wicked, closed the evening with a reflection on the broader implications of the film and the industry’s responsibility. “It’s about having the courage to speak truth to power, especially when that power thrives on blame and divisiveness,” he said, echoing sentiments that resonated deeply with the audience.
A Celebration of Community
While awards and speeches dominated the evening, a common theme emerged: the power of community and collaboration in storytelling. Reflecting on Hollywood’s role in fostering unity, Craig summed it up best: “If we continue to make and produce movies like this, our industry is going to thrive.”
From heartfelt tributes to playful jabs, the NBR Awards proved to be more than a celebration of cinematic excellence—it was a testament to the enduring power of film to bring people together.
