“Zero Dark Thirty” has been named the top film of the year by the National Board of Review.
Kathryn Bigelow and Jessica Chastain of “Zero” were also honored in the director and lead actress categories
Adapted screenplay honors went to David O. Russell of “Silver Linings Playbook,” which also had best actor Bradley Cooper.
The original screenplay nod went to Rian Johnson's “Looper.” Supporting actress honors went to Leonardo DiCaprio of “Django Unchained” and Ann Dowd of “Compliance.”
“Wreck-It Ralph” was named top animated feature.
“Argo” director Ben Affleck earned recognition for special achievement in filmmaking, while his co-star John Godman was given the spotlight award for his work in that pic along with “Flight,” “Paranorman” and “Trouble With the Curve.”
Tom Holland (“The Impossible” and Quvenzhane Wallis (“Beasts of the Southern Wild”) were given breakthrough acting honors. “Beasts” helmer Benh Zeitlin won for top directorial debut, and “Les Miserables” was awarded a best ensemble prize.
Honors for top foreign-language film and documentary went to “Amour” and “Searching for Sugar Man,” respectively.
The NBR also awarded two Freedom of Expression awards, to “Promised Land” and “The Central Park Five.”
A year ago, the NBR gave top awards to “Hugo” and Martin Scorsese for film and director, along with thesps George Clooney and Shailene Woodley (“The Descendants”), Tilda Swinton (“We Need to Talk About Kevin”) and Christopher Plummer (“Beginners”). The most recent Oscar best picture winner that was also tapped by the NBR was “Slumdog Millionaire” in 2008.
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