What Is 1956 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1956 National Board of Review Awards recognized excellence in filmmaking during a transformative year for Hollywood. These awards, selected annually by the National Board of Review (NBR), highlighted cinematic achievements in direction, acting, and overall film quality.

Unlike some other awards, the NBR’s selections were based on critical consensus rather than industry voting. The 1956 honors reflected a blend of epic storytelling, strong performances, and socially relevant themes emerging in post-war American cinema.

• Best Picture was awarded to *Giant*, a sweeping drama starring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean that explored themes of wealth, racism, and family in Texas.
• George Stevens won Best Director for *Giant*, marking his second NBR win after previously being honored in 1953 for *Shane*.
• Yul Brynner earned Best Actor for his commanding performance as King Mongkut in the musical *The King and I*, a role that later won him an Academy Award.
• Ingrid Bergman received Best Actress for *Anastasia*, portraying a woman believed to be the surviving daughter of Russia’s last tsar, a performance that also earned her an Oscar.
• The NBR included international films in its top ten list, such as Federico Fellini’s *Nights of Cabiria, highlighting the organization’s global cinematic perspective.

How It Works

The National Board of Review operates as a nonprofit film organization composed of film historians, academics, and critics who evaluate the year’s best movies and performances.

• Selection Process: A panel of NBR members views hundreds of films released in the calendar year and votes to determine winners through a weighted ballot system.
• Announcement Timing: Winners are typically announced in December, preceding the Oscars and often influencing Academy Award momentum.
• Categories: The NBR awards include Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting roles, and a Top Ten Films list, but does not hold a televised ceremony.
• Independent Films: The board has historically recognized independent and foreign-language films, such as *War and Peace from 1956, which received special mention.
• Historical Influence: Since 1929, the NBR has been one of the earliest indicators of awards season trends, often predicting Oscar nominees with notable accuracy.
• Non-Competitive Honors: The board occasionally issues special awards for career achievement or humanitarian contributions in film, though these were not part of the 1956 event.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1956 NBR Awards compare with other major film honors of the year:

While the NBR and Oscars aligned on acting winners like Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brynner, they diverged on Best Picture, with the NBR favoring *Giant* and the Oscars selecting *Around the World in 80 Days*. This contrast illustrates how different voting bodies prioritize scale, performance, or innovation.

Why It Matters

The 1956 NBR Awards played a pivotal role in shaping critical discourse and award season momentum, especially during a year rich with iconic performances and cinematic ambition.

• Boosted Oscar Campaigns: Winners like Yul Brynner and Ingrid Bergman leveraged NBR recognition to solidify their eventual Academy Award victories.
• Elevated James Dean’s Legacy: Though Dean didn’t win an NBR award, his posthumous role in *Giant* amplified his cultural impact and mythos.
• Highlighted Social Themes: *Giant* addressed racial discrimination and gender roles, making the NBR’s choice socially resonant.
• Supported International Cinema: By including Fellini’s work, the NBR helped introduce European auteurs to American audiences.
• Preserved Critical Standards: The NBR maintained a reputation for thoughtful, non-commercial judgment amid Hollywood’s growing blockbuster culture.
• Historical Benchmark: The 1956 awards remain a reference point for film scholars studying mid-century American cinema.

The 1956 National Board of Review Awards not only celebrated individual excellence but also reflected broader shifts in film as an art form capable of addressing complex human issues.