Wicked (which I just saw yesterday in IMAX), the film adaptation of the first act of the hit Broadway musical about the witches of Oz, casts a spell on the National Board of Review, winning Best Picture, Best Director (Jon M. Chu) and the NBR Spotlight Award to stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for their creative collaboration. The National Board of Review announced its winners on Tues. Dec. 4. The awards will be presented on Jan. 7 at Ciprani 42nd Street in a gala hosted by Willie Geist on MSNBC's Morning Joe (is anyone still watching that show?) and NBC's Sunday Today. 
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in Wicked,
winner of Best Picture from NBR
Founded in 1909, the NBR is composed of film enthusiasts, filmmakers, professionals, academics and students. The group's winners did not overlap much with those of the New York Film Critics Circle, announced yesterday. Only Kieran Culkin of A Real Pain won both a NYFCC and NBR award in his category, Best Supporting Actor. The NBR thespian champs are Best Actor Daniel Craig (Queer), Best Actress Nicole Kidman (Babygirl) and Best Supporting Actress Elle Fanning (A Complete Unknown). NYFCC's choice for Best Picture, The Brutalist, was totally ignored by the NBR.
This win increases Wicked's chances for Oscar gold. But it's a long way to the noms for Hollywood's top prize on Jan. 17
"Wicked represents the pure magic that movies can bring to audiences. Every detail is beautifully crafted and designed, the actors are all exceptional and the music is second-to-none - together it adds up to a transporting experience like no other. The NBR is proud to honor director Jon M. Chu and his remarkable cinematic vision,” said NBR President Annie Schulhof.
