All movie buffs out there should get your notepads and/or tracking apps out because you will want to check out the slate of films selected as Best of the Year by the National Board of Review. The entity has been singling out formidable films from each year for almost a hundred years, and in 2021 it wasn’t any different. This year, the group of academics, professionals, and film enthusiasts have selectedPaul Thomas Anderson’s latest film,Licorice Pizzaas the best among a selection of over 200 films screened and debated by the group.
Licorice Pizzais a coming-of-age story that chronicles the teen life of a boy who is loosely based on legendary movie producerGary Goetzman. The film featuresSean Pennand the breakout performances ofCooper HoffmanandAlana Haim–one-third of the girl group Haim, whose music videos have been frequently directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The filmmaker was also the NBR’s choice for Best Director. Haim and Hoffman were announced as winners in the category Breakthrough Performance.
World-famous superstarWill Smithwas selected as Best Actor for his performance inKing Richard, a movie that follows the rise of tennis playersVenusandSerena Williams(played bySaniyya SidneyandDemi Singleton, respectively).Aunjanue Ellis, who playsBrandy Williams(mother of Serena and Venus), was selected as Best Supporting Actress.
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First-timerRachel Zeglerkick-starts her career in overdrive by being announced as the Best Actress of the year for her performance inSteven Spielberg’s remakeWest Side Story. Zegler has already booked two other blockbusters for the next years: she will be inShazam! Fury of the Godsand in Disney’s live-action version ofSnow White and the Seven Dwarves.
Internationally acclaimed Iranian directorAsghar Farhadi(A Separation) was remembered in the Best Adapted Screenplay category for his new filmA Hero, which also won Best Foreign Language Film. In the sister writing category, Best Original Screenplay, the winner wasJoel Coen, for his upcomingThe Tragedy of Macbeth. The drama starringDenzel WashingtonandFrances McDormandwas also selected as the winner in the Best Cinematography category.
Disney’s latest movieEncantowas the winner in the Best Animated Film category. The adventure follows a girl born into a magical family but without any gifts. The story features songs byLin-Manuel Mirandaand celebrates the Colombian culture.
Netflix’sThe Harder They Fallwas singled out as Best Ensemble cast, while Irish actorCiarán Hindswas selected as Best Supporting Actor for his performance inBelfast. Critically acclaimed moviePig, starringNicolas Cage, was selected as the Best Directorial Debut, a prize that goes to freshman filmmakerMichael Sarnoski.
The National Board of Review also gave nods to movies that unveil real-life stories and issues:Summer of Soul (… or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), which chronicles the impact of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, was selected as Best Documentary. The animated documentary filmFlee, which tells the story of a man who escaped Afghanistan as a refugee, was selected in the NBR Freedom of Expression Award.
The National Board of Review is set to celebrate the winners in a Gala on June 05, 2025 (if nothing changes until then, pandemic-wise). You can check out the other nine films selected as Best of the Year in the list below in alphabetical order:
