Green Book, a leading 2019 Oscar contender has been named by the National Board of Review as best film for 2018. The honorees for this year’s award will be presented with their winning trophies and a standing ovation at a gala come January 8, 2019 in New York’s Cipriani 42nd street.
Green Book is a friendship-based story inspired by the true friendship that transpired between Italian -American driver Tony Vallelonga, played by Mortensen, and African-American musician Don Shirley, played by Mahershala Ali on a road trip through the deep South during the 1960s. In addition to Green Book’s win, lead actor Viggo Mortensen has also been named best actor of the year.
NBR president Annie Schulhof shared in a statement, “We are proud to honor Green Book as our best film – It is a warm and heartfelt look at a remarkable friendship, brought to the screen at a moment where its story of love, compassion and shared humanity deeply resonates.”
Other top scorers to be honored next year comprises Bradley cooper’s remake of A Star Is Born, from Warner Bros. TV, which snitched three awards in total. Bradley Cooper as best director, Lady Gaga as best actress and Sam Elliot as best supporting actor.
“We are also thrilled to award Bradley Cooper as our best director – he is an extraordinary talent behind the camera, bringing a fresh and modern perspective, as well as superb craftsmanship and tremendous heart, to the classic story of A Star Is Born,” said Annie Schullof.
Academy Award winning producer, Berry Jenkin’s If Beale Street Could Talk also won the best supporting actress award for Regina King and best adapted screenplay for Jenkins. The movie is set to be released in theaters, December 14.
The best screenplay honor went to First Reformed by Paul Schrader, Incredibles 2, best animated feature, Leave No Trace’s star actor, Thomasin McKenzie won breakthrough performance, Crazy Rich Asians also won for best ensemble and Cold war named best foreign-language film.
Making its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival this year, the film won the audience award at the awards segment of the festival and is in the race of Oscar’s best picture.
The organization’s honors are voted on by a group of film enthusiasts, professionals, academics, filmmakers and students.
