But this raises doubt:
‘Manchester by the Sea’ Named Best Film of the Year by National Board of Review
29 November 2016 10:47 AM, PST | Variety - Film News | See recent Variety - Film News news »
“Manchester by the Sea,” a critically adored drama about a grieving janitor, was named best film of the year by the National Board of Review on Tuesday.
The film, a breakout hit at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, also earned a best actor award for Casey Affleck’s performance and original screenplay honors for Kenneth Lonergan, its writer and director. “Manchester” is a comeback for Lonergan, whose reputation had been bruised after his previous film, “Margaret,” became mired in lawsuits.
The National Board of Review is voted on by a mixture of academics, cinephiles, and film professionals. “Manchester by the Sea” has earned some of the year’s best reviews and is expected to dominate year-end awards. However, the group has a spotty track record as a predictor of future Oscar glory. Last year, for instance, it named “Mad Max: Fury Road” as the year’s best film, but »
- Brent Lang