National Board of Review Predictions

The New York Film Critics Circle spoke today, anointing Boyhood as the #1 film of 2014, will the National Board of Review follow suit? Established in 1909, the NBR are the oldest organization that gives out film awards. From their website:

For over 104 years the National Board of Review has dedicated its efforts to the support of film, domestic and foreign, as both art and entertainment. Our nonprofit organization celebrates the distinctive voice of the individual artist, honoring excellence and supporting freedom of expression in film.

The Board’s core activities include fostering commentary on all aspects of film production, as well as underwriting educational film programs and seminars for film students. In 2014, the NBR awarded grants to 16 students from seven schools, as well as the Children’s Aid Society, Reel Works Teen Filmmaking, The Ghetto Film School, and the Educational Video Center.

If the NBR has taught anything in the last decade or so it’s that they like three things; Clint Eastwood, George Clooney and Warner Brothers. Combinations of any of those can often prove deadly. But good in terms of predictions. Last year’s Best Picture winner was Her, a Warner Brothers film. Now, that doesn’t mean that everything from that trifecta is always guaranteed a win or a nomination here but it’s often a good place to start. This year, we have Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper (which is distributed by Warner Brothers), Inherent Vice and The Judge (both WB as well). The Gold Rush Gang is looking to American Sniper to break into the NBR’s top 10 list and a few of us also have Inherent Vice making it it. I’ve opted for The Judge and Robert Duvall is a spoiler in the Best Supporting Actor category as well. Bradley Cooper could surprise in Best Actor but newly crowned NYFCC winner Timothy Spall (Mr. Turner) might be a better fit for a group of scholars and academics.

The group’s affinity for British actresses is also showing itself in our Best Actress predictions where Gone Girl‘s Rosamund Pike shows up quite a bit. The sting of Julianne Moore’s loss this morning was felt and a few changes to predictions resulted. But, it’s good to remember that the NBR often lumps multiple films into an acting win and Moore has both Still Alice and Maps to the Stars. But, considering that very thing happened this morning but to Marion Cotillard (for The Immigrant and Two Days, One Night), don’t be surprised to see her pop up again.

In the Best Film category we see a lot of support for Boyhood in the Gold Rush Gang, a pair of votes for Selma and then two single votes; one for Gone Girl from Jason and one for The Intimidation Game from me. Will either of those risks pay off? Director sees some diversity too, with Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Richard Linklater, Ava DuVernay and David Fincher all receiving votes.

Check out the full predictions below: