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- NBR top prizes: a sweep for One Battle After Another
- Performances that stole the awards spotlight
- Why awards voters gravitated to this film
- Box office and critical reception
- Other films and categories honored by the NBR
- Top films and picks the board named this year
- Event details and awards-season timing
Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest thriller dominated the National Board of Review, collecting a string of top honors that sent awards-season chatter into overdrive. The film’s momentum, praised performances and box-office strength made it the night’s clear favorite.
NBR top prizes: a sweep for One Battle After Another
The National Board of Review handed the biggest haul to Warner Bros.’ One Battle After Another. The film earned the most awards of the night, recognized for direction, acting and overall achievement.
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- Best Film: One Battle After Another
- Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
- Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another
- Best Supporting Actor: Benicio Del Toro, One Battle After Another
- Breakthrough Performance: Chase Infiniti, One Battle After Another
Performances that stole the awards spotlight
Judges praised lead and supporting turns, noting strong chemistry across the cast. DiCaprio’s gritty portrayal drew particular attention.
Acting honors and noteworthy mentions
- Leonardo DiCaprio won for his role as a former revolutionary pulled back into danger.
- Benicio Del Toro earned praise for playing a community figure and teacher.
- Chase Infiniti was singled out as a breakthrough newcomer.
- Rose Byrne was named Best Actress for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.
- Supporting Actress: Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value.
Why awards voters gravitated to this film
Critics and audiences lined up behind the movie’s kinetic pacing and bold characters. The director’s reputation helped frame the film as a major awards contender.
- Strong direction from Paul Thomas Anderson reconnected him with awards attention.
- Central performances were widely praised across reviews.
- The film’s themes and visual style generated buzz in critics’ circles.
Box office and critical reception
The picture was both a commercial and critical success. Audiences pushed it to the top of ticket sales upon release.
- Global gross: The movie surpassed $200 million worldwide.
- Critical rating: It holds a high approval score on review aggregators.
- Industry observers noted its crossover appeal as a factor in awards momentum.
Other films and categories honored by the NBR
The board also highlighted a range of titles across genres and formats. Their annual lists spotlight both mainstream and indie standouts.
- Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler, Sinners
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar, Train Dreams
- Best Animated Feature: Arco
- Best International Film: It Was Just an Accident
- Best Documentary: Cover-Up
- Outstanding Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Sinners
- Stunt Artistry: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
- NBR Freedom of Expression Award: Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk
Top films and picks the board named this year
The NBR released its curated lists of top films, international picks and documentaries. These choices reflect the group’s broad taste.
Top films (alphabetical)
- Avatar: Fire and Ash
- F1
- Frankenstein
- Jay Kelly
- Marty Supreme
- Rental Family
- Sinners
- Train Dreams
- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
- Wicked: For Good
Top international films (alphabetical)
- Left-Handed Girl
- The Love That Remains
- The Secret Agent
- Sentimental Value
- Sirāt
Top documentaries (alphabetical)
- 2000 Meters to Andriivka
- Come See Me in the Good Light
- My Mom Jayne
- Natchez
- Orwell: 2+2=5
Top independent films (alphabetical)
- The Baltimorons
- Bring Her Back
- Father Mother Sister Brother
- Friendship
- Good Boy
- If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
- The Mastermind
- Rebuilding
- Sorry, Baby
- Urchin
Event details and awards-season timing
The NBR will celebrate winners at a gala in New York in January. The event falls just after other major awards shows.
- The gala will be hosted in New York on Jan. 13.
- The timing places the NBR event close to the Golden Globes.
- The board’s history includes many films that later thrived during awards season.
