Leonardo DiCaprio Receives Honor at National Board of Review Gala
Leonardo DiCaprio was honored at the National Board of Review Gala held on Tuesday night at Cipriani 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan. The event attracted a host of celebrities, including Emily Blunt, Rose Byrne, and Benicio Del Toro, who walked down the red carpet. The gala celebrated the best films and performances from the past year, marking an important stop for stars campaigning for the upcoming Oscars.
Highlights from the National Board of Review Gala
Among the attendees was Chase Infiniti, who received the breakthrough performance prize for her role in the action thriller “One Battle After Another.” The 25-year-old actress expressed excitement about her recent nominations, sharing her love for the HBO Max series “Heated Rivalry.”
The National Board of Review honors a diverse array of films and performances. This year, the big winner was “One Battle After Another,” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film took home several awards, including:
- Best Film
- Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
- Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio
- Best Supporting Actor: Benicio Del Toro
- Breakthrough Performance: Chase Infiniti
Other notable wins included Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just an Accident” for Best International Film. Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller, “Sinners,” received accolades for Best Original Screenplay and Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography. Rose Byrne also won Best Actress for her performance in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.”
Event Insights and Themes
The gala began with a dinner featuring salmon, asparagus, and roasted potatoes, setting an elegant tone for the evening. Willie Geist, co-anchor of “Morning Joe,” opened the awards portion, where acceptance speeches often extended beyond 10 minutes and featured candid discussions on social issues.
While the Golden Globes maintained a low political profile, some speakers at the National Board of Review Gala addressed current events directly. Ryan Coogler referenced the recent tragic shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent, reflecting on the ongoing struggles against systemic violence. Moreover, Jafar Panahi’s speech highlighted the violent repression in Iran, urging fellow artists to speak out against human rights violations.
Panahi stated, “This is no longer a metaphor… This is a reality ridden with bullets day after day.” He called on the global film community to remain vocal and active in advocacy.
This year’s gala reaffirmed the power of cinema as not only a form of entertainment but also a platform for social commentary and change.
