Multiple Review Boards Choose Controversial Crime Thriller As Best Movie Of The Year

By Charlene Badasie | Published

Martin Scorsese’s Western historical epic, Killers of the Flower Moon, has received top honors from The National Board of Review (NBR) and the New York Film Critics Circle. Per Deadline, the filmmaker secured the Best Director title from the NBR for his Apple Original Films project. The film’s leading lady, Lily Gladstone, was also recognized as Best Actress by the New York Film Critics Circle.

New York Film Critics Name Killers Of The Flower Moon Best Film

Killers of the Flower Moon is a cinematic triumph, not only in its storytelling but also in its technical aspects. Rodrigo Prieto’s cinematography was lauded by the NBR, contributing to the film’s total of four wins. Prieto’s work on the movie and his role as director of photography on Barbie has undoubtedly showcased his exceptional talent in the industry.The National Board of Review, recognized for its influence on the awards season, has a history of propelling films to Oscar success. The NBR selected Top Gun: Maverick as Best Film in 2022, a decision that preceded its six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The alignment of NBR winners with eventual Oscar nominees is a testament to the board’s keen eye for cinematic excellence.

The Holdovers Nabs Three Wins

Apart from Killers of the Flower Moon, other notable winners at the NBR include Focus Features’ The Holdovers, directed by Alexander Payne. The film secured wins in three categories, with Paul Giamatti earning the title of Best Actor and DaVine Joy Randolph being honored as Best Supporting Actress. Additionally, David Hemingson received recognition for his original screenplay.

Poor Things Nabs Best Adaptred Screenplay

The Adapted Screenplay award went to Tony McNamara for Poor Things, a Searchlight Pictures production directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone. The film, which won the Golden Lion in Venice, also earned Mark Ruffalo a Best Supporting Actor nod. Other films on the list include The Boy and the Heron, Ferrari, The Iron Claw, Maestro, and Oppenheimer.

In addition to the top films like Killers of the Flower Moon, the NBR revealed its top five international, documentary, and indie lists. Anatomy of a Fall and Still: A Michael J Fox Movie emerged as winners in the individual international and documentary categories. The NBR’s annual awards gala will be held on January 11, 2024, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

What Is Killers Of The Flower Moon About?

Killers of the Flower Moon is based on David Grann’s 2017 non-fiction book of the same name. The story is set in 1920s Oklahoma and focuses on a series of murders of Osage members in the Osage Nation after oil was discovered on tribal land. Tribal members had retained mineral rights on their reservation, and white opportunists sought to take their wealth.Killers of the Flower Moon focuses on the relationship between an Osage woman, Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone), and Caucasian World War I veteran, Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), nephew of a wealthy rancher, William K. The story explores the murders of dozens of Osage people, the conspiracy behind the killings, and the early days of the FBI.

Praised For The Retelling Of A Harrowing True Story

The conspiracy to kill off wealthy Osage people involved corrupt guardians, judges, lawyers, doctors, and businessmen throughout Oklahoma. Killers of the Flower Moon has been praised for its portrayal of the true story behind the murders.