2025 National Board of Review Awards honor Ariana Grande, Nicole Kidman, and Mikey Madison for their roles in breakout films

The National Board of Review Awards held on Tuesday at Cipriani 42nd Street celebrated a night filled with joyous commemoration of hard work and a sprinkle of fun in this non-televised showcase, said Vogue.

“We’re not a boastful group, but we deserve this,” John Lithgow quipped to laughter while accepting the Best Ensemble award for his cast's performance in 'Conclave'.

Founded in 1909, the National Board of Review brings together film industry professionals—including filmmakers, actors, producers, and screenwriters—to honor the best content of the year.

Unique highlights of the evening included a Creative Collaboration award presented to Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo for 'Wicked', and a Breakthrough Performance honor awarded to Mikey Madison for 'Anora'.

Hosted by Willy Geist, the event featured stars from some of the year's most impactful films, including Daniel Craig, Michelle Yeoh, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning, and Drew Starkey, all toasting their efforts as the awards season kicked off following the Golden Globes.

Before the show, Madison, in a billowy black Louis Vuitton ensemble, shared insights about her role: “I learned how to dance, I learned a specific Russian dialect, and I really immersed myself in the community.”

Erivo, dressed in an architectural Loewe creation, expressed her hope for 'Wicked', stating, “It’s important to find out who you are, and to live in that feeling.”

The night balanced high-energy, buzzworthy works like 'Babygirl' and 'Anora' with timely, educational films, including 'Sugarcane', the Best Documentary winner highlighting the story of oppressive Native American residential schools, and 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig', a political thriller that won Best International Film and was produced in secret in Iran.

Guests enjoyed sumptuous slices of sky-high lemon meringue cake, with signature drinks poured throughout the night by Johnnie Walker and Don Julio Tequila.

Attendees received take-home gifts that included a Nosferatu candle, a Queer tote bag, and vinyl records of the awarded films’ soundtracks.

As a playful closing gesture, Nicole Kidman raised a glass of milk—a nod to her character in 'Babygirl'—and cheerfully declared, “This one goes out to all the baby girls in the room!” to raucous applause.