The National Board of Review (NBR) has tabbed director/writer J.C. Chandor’s A Most Violent Year as the 2014 Best Film of the Year. A drama set during the winter of 1981–statistically one of the most violent crime years in New York City’s history–A Most Violent Year stars Oscar Isaac as Abel Morales, a fuel supplier who’s trying to grow his business while staying true to his moral compass, a proposition which seems impossible in the face of rampant violence and corruption. Both the business and Morales’ family–including his wife portrayed by Jessica Chastain–are in jeopardy.
“A Most Violent Year is an exhilarating crime drama with a compelling story, outstanding performances, and an elegant cinematic style,” said Annie Schulhof, NBR president. “J.C. Chandor has given us a new and provocative perspective on the American Dream.”
NBR voting yielded a tie for the Best Actor honor between Isaac for A Most Violent Year and Michael Keaton for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). Chastain earned Best Supporting Actress distinction for her performance in A Most Violent Year. Best Actress was Julianne Moore for Still Alice. And Edward Norton took the Best Supporting Actor mantle for Birdman.
Clint Eastwood was named Best Director for American Sniper. Gillian Robespierre earned Best Directorial Debut for Obvious Child.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson won for Best Adapted Screenplay on the strength of Inherent Vice. Original Screenplay honors went to Phil Lord and Christopher Miller for The LEGO Movie.
Best Original Screenplay, however, did not translate into Best Animated Feature, an honor which instead went to How to Train Your Dragon 2.
Best Documentary went to Life Itself, while Wild Tales was named Best Foreign Language Film.
A select group of knowledgeable film enthusiasts and professionals, academics, young filmmakers and students, the NBR viewed over 272 films this year including studio, independent, foreign-language, animated and documentary selections. These screenings were frequently followed by in-depth discussions with filmmakers, directors, actors, producers, and screenwriters. Voting ballots were tabulated by the accounting firm of Lutz & Carr, LLP.
The NBR honors diverse members of the film community at their annual Awards Gala, which also acts as a fundraiser for student grant philanthropy. Hosted by Lara Spencer, this year’s gala will take place on January 6, 2015 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
Here’s a rundown of NBR winners and the organization’s lists of the year’s top films:
Best Film: A Most Violent Year
Best Director: Clint Eastwood – American Sniper
Best Actor (TIE): Oscar Isaac – A Most Violent Year; Michael Keaton – Birdman
Best Actress: Julianne Moore – Still Alice
Best Supporting Actor: Edward Norton – Birdman
Best Supporting Actress: Jessica Chastain – A Most Violent Year
Best Original Screenplay: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller – The Lego Movie
Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson – Inherent Vice
Best Animated Feature: How to Train Your Dragon 2
Breakthrough Performance: Jack O’Connell – Starred Up & Unbroken
Best Directorial Debut: Gillian Robespierre – Obvious Child
Best Foreign Language Film: Wild Tales
Best Documentary: Life Itself
William K. Everson Film History Award: Scott Eyman
Best Ensemble: Fury
Spotlight Award: Chris Rock for writing, directing, and starring in – Top Five
NBR Freedom of Expression Award: Rosewater
NBR Freedom of Expression Award: Selma
Top Films
American Sniper
Birdman
Boyhood
Fury
Gone Girl
The Imitation Game
Inherent Vice
The LEGO Movie
Nightcrawler
Unbroken
Top 5 Foreign Language Films
Force Majeure
Gett: The Trial of Vivian Amsalem
Leviathan
Two Days, One Night
We Are the Best!
Top 5 Documentaries
Art and Craft
Jodorowsky’s Dune
Keep On Keepin’ On
The Kill Team
Last Days in Vietnam
Top 10 Independent Films
Blue Ruin
Locke
A Most Wanted Man
Mr. Turner
Obvious Child
The Skeleton Twins
Snowpiercer
Stand Clear of the Closing Doors
Starred Up
Still Alice
