THE NATIONAL BOARD OF REVIEW SETS ANNUAL AWARDS GALA FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

New York, NY (May 23, 2016) – The National Board of Review announced today that the organization will host its annual film awards gala on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Willie Geist has been confirmed to return as host.

“The NBR is thrilled to welcome Willie back to our annual celebration,” said NBR President Annie Schulhof. “He has truly become a part of the NBR family as has Cipriani 42nd Street, our home for more than decade. We look forward to an exciting evening honoring the exceptional films being released this year.”

The National Board of Review’s awards celebrate excellence in filmmaking with categories that include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Performances, Best Ensemble, Breakthrough Performances, Directorial Debut and Spotlight Award as well as signature honors such as the William K. Everson Award for Film History, Freedom of Expression, and Special Achievement in Filmmaking.

The recipients to be honored at the 2017 gala will be announced later this year, exact date TBD.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL BOARD OF REVIEW
For 107 years, the National Board of Review has dedicated its efforts to the support of cinema as both art and entertainment. Each year, this select group of film enthusiasts, filmmakers, professionals, academics and students of varying ages and backgrounds watches over 250 films and participates in illuminating discussions with directors, actors, producers and screenwriters before announcing their selections for the best work of the year in early December prior to an annual ceremony in January. Since first citing year-end cinematic achievements in 1929, NBR has recognized a vast selection of outstanding studio, independent, foreign-language, animated and documentary films, often propelling recipients such as George Miller’s visionary 2015 Best Film winner MAD MAX: FURY ROAD into the larger awards conversation. NBR also stands out as the only film organization that bestows an annual film history award in honor of former member and film historian William K. Everson. In addition, one of the organization’s core values is identifying new talent and nurturing young filmmakers by awarding promising talent with ‘Directorial Debut’ and ‘Breakthrough Actor’ awards as well as grants to rising film students and by facilitating community outreach through the support of organizations such as The Ghetto Film School, Reel Works Teen Filmmaking, and Educational Video Center. With its continued efforts to assist up-and-coming artists in completing and presenting their work, NBR honors its commitment to not just identifying the best that current cinema has to offer, but also ensuring the quality of films for future generations to come.

Join the conversation @NBRfilm

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