What Is 1973 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1973 National Board of Review Awards recognized outstanding achievements in cinema released during the 1973 calendar year. As one of the earliest honors in the film awards season, the NBR announcements provided early momentum for several films later recognized during the Oscars.

Hosted by the National Board of Review, a New York-based film organization founded in 1909, the awards highlighted both American and international films. The winners were announced in December 1973, with the formal ceremony held in early 1974.

• Best Picture: 'The Exorcist' won top honors, marking a rare win for a horror film from a major critical body.
• Best Director: William Friedkin was honored for his work on 'The Exorcist', a film that redefined horror cinema.
• Best Actor: Jack Lemmon received the award for his performance in 'The Way We Were', a romantic drama.
• Best Actress: Cicely Tyson won acclaim for her role in 'Sounder', a drama about a Black sharecropper family during the Great Depression.
• Top Foreign Films: The NBR recognized five international films, including 'Day for Night' from France and 'The Spirit of the Beehive' from Spain.

How It Works

The National Board of Review evaluates films based on artistic excellence, cultural impact, and technical achievement, with selections made by a jury of film professionals and academics. Unlike industry-voted awards, the NBR operates independently, allowing for diverse and sometimes surprising choices.

• Selection Process: A panel of film experts reviews eligible films released in the calendar year, narrowing down nominees through discussion and voting.
• Announcement Timing: Winners are typically announced in early December, making the NBR one of the first major awards of the season.
• Eligibility: Films must be publicly screened in New York City during the calendar year to qualify for consideration.
• Jury Composition: The board includes filmmakers, critics, historians, and educators, ensuring a broad critical perspective.
• Categories: The NBR awards Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and multiple slots for top foreign and independent films.
• Impact: While not as publicized as the Golden Globes, NBR recognition often signals strong Oscar potential.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key 1973 NBR winners with other major film awards from the same year:

The NBR's choice of 'The Exorcist' as Best Picture diverged from both the Oscars and Golden Globes, highlighting its willingness to recognize genre films. However, its foreign film selection aligned with other major awards, underscoring François Truffaut's critical acclaim. The overlap in acting awards, particularly for Jack Lemmon, demonstrated consensus on standout performances.

Why It Matters

The 1973 National Board of Review Awards played a pivotal role in shaping critical discourse during a transformative year in American cinema. By honoring both mainstream hits and socially conscious films, the NBR highlighted the evolving landscape of 1970s filmmaking.

• Cultural Significance: Honoring 'Sounder' elevated Black narratives in a predominantly white-dominated awards landscape.
• Genre Recognition: 'The Exorcist' winning Best Picture validated horror as a legitimate cinematic art form.
• Predictive Value: NBR winners often foreshadow Oscar nominations, making it a key awards season indicator.
• International Spotlight: The inclusion of global films helped introduce U.S. audiences to international auteurs like Truffaut.
• Historical Record: The awards serve as a critical snapshot of 1973’s most impactful films and performances.
• Legacy: The 1973 awards are remembered for balancing commercial success with artistic integrity.

The 1973 NBR Awards remain a testament to the organization’s commitment to diverse, high-quality cinema, influencing both public opinion and future award cycles.