A select group of knowledgeable film enthusiasts and professionals, academics, young filmmakers and students, the National Board of Review viewed over 250 films in 2006 including studio, independent, foreign-language, animated and documentary selections.

These screenings were frequently followed by in-depth discussions with filmmakers, directors, actors, producers, and screenwriters. Voting ballots were tabulated by the accounting firm of Lutz & Carr, LLP.

The National Board of Review of Motion Pictures named LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA the 2006 Best Film of the Year. Directed by Clint Eastwood and released by Warner Bros., it tells the story of the battle of Iwo Jima between the United States and Imperial Japan during World War II, from the perspective of the Japanese who fought it.

“LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA is probably Mr. Eastwood’s masterpiece and perhaps one of the greatest films of our time. His achievement is all the more extraordinary when one views the film as a companion piece to FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS,” said NBR President Annie Schulhof.