What Is 1995 National Board of Review Awards

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1995 National Board of Review Awards honored outstanding films and performances of that year, with 'Apollo 13' named Best Film and Mel Gibson receiving the Freedom of Expression Award. The awards were announced in December 1995 and celebrated at a gala in January 1996.

Key Facts

The 1995 National Board of Review Awards were announced in December 1995
Best Film award went to 'Apollo 13', directed by Ron Howard
Tom Hanks won Best Actor for his role in 'Apollo 13'
Susan Sarandon won Best Actress for 'Dead Man Walking'
Mel Gibson received the Freedom of Expression Award

Overview

The 1995 National Board of Review (NBR) Awards recognized excellence in filmmaking during a pivotal year for American cinema. These awards, presented annually since 1929, are among the earliest honors in the film awards season, often serving as a precursor to the Oscars.

Announced in December 1995 and celebrated at a dinner in January 1996, the awards highlighted films that combined artistic merit with cultural impact. The NBR, based in New York, operates independently of the film industry, selecting winners through a jury of film professionals, academics, and historians.

Best Film:Apollo 13, directed by Ron Howard, won the top honor for its gripping portrayal of NASA’s 1970 lunar mission crisis.
Best Actor: Tom Hanks was honored for his performance as astronaut Jim Lovell, marking his second NBR win following Philadelphia in 1993.
Best Actress: Susan Sarandon received the award for her role as death row nun Sister Helen Prejean in Dead Man Walking.
Freedom of Expression Award: Mel Gibson was recognized for his work on Braveheart, which premiered earlier that year to critical and commercial success.
Top 10 Films: The NBR listed Toy Story, Seven, Leaving Las Vegas, and Before Sunrise among its annual top 10 selections.

How It Works

The National Board of Review selects winners through a voting process conducted by its board members, composed of film enthusiasts, educators, and critics. Unlike guilds or academies, the NBR does not require industry affiliation, allowing for diverse and independent perspectives.

Selection Process:Board members submit ballots after viewing eligible films released between January and December 1995; winners are determined by majority vote.
Eligibility Window:Films must have opened in New York City between January 1 and December 31, 1995, to qualify for consideration.
Jury Composition:The board includes over 200 members, such as professors, filmmakers, and journalists, ensuring a broad cultural lens.
Award Categories:The NBR gives Best Film, Actor, Actress, Director, and Freedom of Expression, plus lists of top 10 films and top 5 independent films.
Announcement Timing:Winners are revealed in early December, making the NBR one of the first major groups to weigh in on awards season.
Ceremony:The gala dinner was held in January 1996 at a Manhattan venue, attended by honorees and film industry leaders.

Comparison at a Glance

Here is how the 1995 NBR Awards compared with other major film honors in the same year:

Award	NBR Winner (1995)	Academy Award Winner (1996)	Golden Globe Winner (1996)
Best Film	Apollo 13	Braveheart	Braveheart
Best Actor	Tom Hanks (Apollo 13)	Nicholas Cage (Leaving Las Vegas)	Nicholas Cage (Leaving Las Vegas)
Best Actress	Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking)	Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking)	Sharon Stone (Casino)
Best Director	Ron Howard	Mel Gibson	Mel Gibson
Top Animated Film	Toy Story	N/A	N/A

The NBR’s early timing often gives it predictive power, but discrepancies—like honoring Apollo 13 over Braveheart—show its unique taste. While the Oscars and Globes later favored Braveheart, the NBR emphasized technical precision and emotional resonance. Their recognition of Toy Story as a groundbreaking animated feature underscored its influence on future film trends.

Why It Matters

The 1995 NBR Awards played a significant role in shaping early momentum for several Oscar contenders. By honoring performances and films before year-end lists circulated, the NBR influenced media coverage and audience interest.

Early Indicator:The NBR is often the first major group to announce winners, giving studios and campaigns early validation for awards outreach.
Cultural Impact:Honoring Dead Man Walking spotlighted capital punishment debates, bringing social issues into mainstream conversation.
Technical Recognition:Apollo 13 was praised for its realism and sound design, setting a benchmark for future space films.
Freedom of Expression:Mel Gibson’s award acknowledged bold storytelling, even amid controversy over Braveheart’s historical accuracy.
Support for Innovation:Toy Story winning top honors signaled acceptance of CGI as a legitimate cinematic medium.
Independent Film Spotlight:The NBR listed five independent films, including Before Sunrise, boosting visibility for smaller productions.

Ultimately, the 1995 awards reflect a year of diverse storytelling and technical advancement. The NBR’s choices continue to be studied for their influence on broader award trends and film history.