What Is 1985 National Board of Review Awards

Overview

The 1985 National Board of Review Awards recognized outstanding achievements in film from 1984. Presented annually by the National Board of Review (NBR), the awards are among the earliest honors in the film awards season, often serving as a predictor for Oscar nominations.

Unlike peer organizations such as the Academy Awards, the NBR selects its winners through a voting body of film enthusiasts, academics, and professionals. The 1985 ceremony highlighted a mix of historical drama, biographical storytelling, and performances that resonated with critics and audiences alike.

• Amadeus won Best Film, praised for its lavish production and powerful portrayal of Mozart’s life and rivalry with Salieri.
• Miloš Forman received the Best Director award for his masterful work on Amadeus, marking a career-defining achievement.
• Sam Shepard was named Best Actor for his performance as Chuck Yeager in The Right Stuff, capturing the spirit of American heroism.
• Debra Winger earned Best Actress honors for her role in the TV movie An Early Frost, a rare win for a television performance.
• The awards were announced in January 1985, continuing the NBR’s tradition of early recognition ahead of the Oscars.

How It Works

The National Board of Review selects winners based on artistic excellence, cultural impact, and technical achievement in filmmaking. The process involves members viewing eligible films and voting on categories including Best Film, Director, Actor, and Actress.

• Eligibility Period: Films must have been released in the U.S. during the calendar year, typically between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year.
• Voting Body: The NBR consists of over 200 members, including film historians, critics, and industry professionals who vote independently.
• Award Categories: The 1985 awards included Best Film, Director, Actor, Actress, and Top Ten Films, with no public ceremony.
• Selection Timeline: Winners are chosen in December and announced in early January, making the NBR one of the first major award groups to weigh in.
• Impact on Oscars: NBR winners often overlap with Oscar nominees; Amadeus went on to win 8 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
• Non-Competitive Honors: The NBR also issues special recognition awards for Breakthrough Performance and Freedom of Expression.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1985 NBR Awards compare to other major film honors for the same year:

The NBR’s alignment with the Oscars in Best Picture and Director categories underscored Amadeus as a critical favorite. However, differences in acting winners highlight the subjective nature of film awards, with the NBR recognizing Sam Shepard’s performance over eventual Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham.

Why It Matters

The 1985 NBR Awards played a significant role in shaping the awards season narrative and spotlighting performances that resonated with American audiences. By honoring both theatrical releases and select television films, the NBR demonstrated a broader definition of cinematic excellence.

• Amadeus gained momentum after the NBR win, helping secure its status as a front-runner for the Oscars.
• The recognition of Debra Winger for a TV movie challenged norms and expanded the scope of award eligibility.
• Sam Shepard’s win highlighted the NBR’s appreciation for nuanced, understated performances over showier roles.
• The early announcement date gave studios valuable publicity for Oscar campaigning.
• The NBR’s Top Ten Films list included diverse titles like Gremlins and Places in the Heart, reflecting broad taste.
• By honoring Miloš Forman, the NBR reinforced its support for international auteurs working in Hollywood.

The 1985 awards exemplified how early critical recognition can influence the broader awards landscape, cementing the NBR’s role as a tastemaker in American cinema.