National Board Of Review Announces Awards

Thu., Dec. 11, 1997

The Hollywood Reporter

Warner Bros.’ “L.A. Confidential,” a film-noir tale of murder, deceit and decay in 1950s Los Angeles, was voted Tuesday the best picture of 1997 by the National Board of Review. Its Curtis Hanson was voted best director.

“This is great news but I must say making this movie was its own reward,” Hanson said. “It was an extraordinary collaboration behind and in front of the camera. I had the most varied, talented cast any director can hope for.”

The other big winner was James Brooks’ comedy “As Good as It Gets” from TriStar, which swept the male acting categories. Jack Nicholson was voted best actor while Greg Kinnear was tabbed best supporting actor.

The best actress nod went to Helena Bonham Carter for her performance in “The Wings of the Dove,” Miramax Films’ adaptation of Henry James’ tale of passion for pay in turn-of-the-century Venice and England.

Anne Heche won as best supporting actress for her work in two films, TriStar’s mob drama “Donnie Brasco” and New Line’s Hollywood satire “Wag the Dog.”

The best foreign-language film was the Japanese comedy-drama about a businessman learning to dance, “Shall We Dance.” Errol Morris’ “Fast, Cheap & Out of Control” was picked as best documentary.

The group gave two special awards to MGM’s “Red Corner,” a drama about an innocent American caught up in the Chinese court system. The board’s freedom of expression award went to its star, Richard Gere, and director Jon Avnet. Chinese actress Bai Ling was cited for her breakthrough performance in that picture.

Writer-actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck were voted the group’s special achievement in filmmaking for “Good Will Hunting,” Miramax’s psychological drama set in a Boston blue-collar neighborhood.

The group voted no best screenplay honor.

Kasi Lemmons was cited for best debut performance by a director for her work on Trimark’s Louisiana drama “Eve’s Bayou.”

The National Board of Review, founded in 1909 and numbering educators, screenwriters, historians and film students among its members, also selects the year’s 10 best movies.

The group has already announced that Robert Duvall will receive its career achievement award.

The awards will be presented Feb. 9 at the New York’s Tavern on the Green.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Best films The top 10 films in descending order were “L.A. Confidential,” “As Good as It Gets,” “The Wings of the Dove,” “Good Will Hunting,” “Titanic,” “The Sweet Hereafter,” “Boogie Nights,” “The Full Monty,” “The Rainmaker” and “Jackie Brown.” The top five foreign language films were: “Shall We Dance,” “Beaumarchais,” “Ma Vie en Rose,” “La Promesse” and “Ponette.” Special mention for excellence in filmmaking - films that demonstrate creativity and determination - went to “The Apostle,” “Chasing Amy,” “The Daytrippers,” “Different for Girls,” “Gridlock’d,” “In the Company of Men,” “Star Maps,” “The Tango Lesson,” “Telling Lies in America” and “Welcome to Sarajevo.”

This sidebar appeared with the story: Best films The top 10 films in descending order were “L.A. Confidential,” “As Good as It Gets,” “The Wings of the Dove,” “Good Will Hunting,” “Titanic,” “The Sweet Hereafter,” “Boogie Nights,” “The Full Monty,” “The Rainmaker” and “Jackie Brown.” The top five foreign language films were: “Shall We Dance,” “Beaumarchais,” “Ma Vie en Rose,” “La Promesse” and “Ponette.” Special mention for excellence in filmmaking - films that demonstrate creativity and determination - went to “The Apostle,” “Chasing Amy,” “The Daytrippers,” “Different for Girls,” “Gridlock’d,” “In the Company of Men,” “Star Maps,” “The Tango Lesson,” “Telling Lies in America” and “Welcome to Sarajevo.”