National Board of Review Awards hold space for 'Wicked', Nicole Kidman wins best actress

Days after the smash hit musical Wicked went home from the Golden Globes with just a single award for box office achievement, the National Board of Review Awards has celebrated its cast and director in the New York group’s annual gala.

The untelevised but starry NBR Awards were a chance for many of the nominees who didn’t win on Sunday to trot out their would-be acceptance speeches, including Daniel Craig, Kieran Culkin and Nicole Kidman.

Accepting the award for best actress for her performance in the erotic thriller Babygirl, Kidman celebrated by chugging a glass of milk, a nod to some of the film’s kinky sex games. After finishing, Kidman triumphantly announced “Good girl!” and left the stage.

It also was an opportunity for some jabs at the Globes. “Isn’t this room just a little bit classier than the Beverly Hilton?” quipped presenter Christine Baranski, looking around the marble-columned midtown venue, Cipriani’s.

The night belonged to Jon M Chu’s Wicked. The musical was the board’s pick for best film, best director for Chu and a special award for the creative collaboration of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

Chu, who was introduced by Lin Manuel-Miranda, used the moment to reflect on his years-long journey with Wicked, which will be followed by an already-shot part two due out this November. So lengthy has his time in Oz been that the director noted he had three children during its making, including one born the day of the movie’s premiere.

The common theme of the night was community and togetherness. Coming a day after the anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riot and less than two weeks before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, many alluded to Hollywood’s role in the coming years.

Marc Platt, producer of Wicked, spoke about the deeper meanings of the film and having “the courage to speak truth to power especially when that power is manifested by those who come to it by blame or divisiveness.”

Craig, the best actor winner for his performance in Luca Guadagnino’s William S. Burroughs’ adaptation, Queer, declared: “We are in good shape.”

“If we continue to make and produce movies like this, our industry is going to continue to thrive,” said Craig, who dedicated his award “to the dreamers in the room.” “We need you now more than ever.”

A key feature of the NBR Awards, which were founded in 1909 by film enthusiasts, is its style of award presentation. Each winner is introduced by a close friend, collaborator or admirer.

This year, Robert Pattinson dropped in to introduce India Donaldson, winner of the breakthrough director award for her acclaimed debut Good One. Pattinson called Donaldson “one of the most exciting filmmakers working today.”

Sofia Coppola presented best supporting actress to Elle Fanning, for her performance in A Complete Unknown.

Other introductions were more surprising. John Lithgow, there as part of the Conclave group that won best ensemble, introduced breakthrough performance winner and Anora star Mikey Madison. Lithgow had only just met her but profusely praised her performance.