New York, NY (October 16, 2013) – The National Board of Review announced today that Lara Spencer will host their annual Awards Gala, taking place on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. This year, the NBR will announce their award winners on Wednesday, December 4, 2013.

“We are excited Lara will host this year’s Gala,” said Annie Schulhof, NBR President. “Her rich background in the entertainment industry and passion for all things media makes her the perfect host for the evening.”

Lara Spencer is one of the co-anchors for ABC’s “Good Morning America” and is the author of “I Brake for Yard Sales,” a New York Times bestseller about interior design from Abrams Books. Her love of design led her to create and executive produce the series “Flea Market Flip” for HGTV, which begins its third season this spring. Spencer is a mom of two children and lives in Connecticut. She follows in the footsteps of previous Gala hosts including Meredith Vieira, Natalie Morales, Whoopi Goldberg, Paul Reiser and Jesse L. Martin.

“It is such an honor to be hosting this year’s NBR Gala,” said Spencer. “I look forward to collaborating with Annie and the rest of the team over the next few months as we prepare for what will be an amazing evening of recognizing the year’s best in film.”

The National Board of Review also will recognize George Stevens, Jr. with the William K. Everson Award for Film History. An award-winning film and television writer, director, producer, founder of the American Film Institute and co-creator of The Kennedy Center Honors, Mr. Stevens has created a legacy spanning 50 years in the entertainment industry.

For over 104 years, the National Board of Review has dedicated its efforts to the support of domestic and foreign cinema as both art and entertainment. Each year, over 250 films (studio, independent, foreign- language, animated and documentary) are viewed by this select group of film enthusiasts, filmmakers, professionals, academics and students. These screenings are frequently followed by in-depth discussions with directors, actors, producers, and screenwriters. One of the NBR’s core values is their belief in nurturing new and up-and-coming filmmakers by awarding grants to promising film students and facilitating community outreach to The Children’s Aid Society, The Ghetto Film School, Reel Works Teen Filmmaking, and Educational Video Center. Last year the NBR awarded grants to 20 filmmakers.

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