Stars of the Night
Last Tuesday night, the iconic Cipriani 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan sparkled under the glow of Hollywood glamour as celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Blunt, Rose Byrne, and Benicio Del Toro graced the red carpet at the annual National Board of Review gala.
The night was marked not just by accolades but by poignant conversations. DiCaprio, Byrne, and Ryan Coogler took home awards, while the evening also called attention to two deeply critical societal issues: the protests igniting Minneapolis and the violent responses to dissent in Iran.
A New Generation Takes the Stage
This year's celebration was as much about honoring veterans of the film industry as it was about spotlighting emerging talent. Among those receiving recognition was 25-year-old Chase Infiniti, who picked up the breakthrough performance award for her role in the action thriller One Battle After Another.
Infiniti's emotional journey resonated as she shared her excitement for “Heated Rivalry,” a hit series on HBO Max, reflecting a burgeoning passion for storytelling and relatable narratives.
Acceptance Speeches that Matter
While it's easy to get swept away in the glamorous festivities, the power of the evening lay in the speeches. Unlike the more sanitized Golden Globes, many honorees embraced the opportunity to address pressing issues during their acceptance moments.
Coogler expressed his heartbreak over the recent shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent. He shared a raw and honest take on the pervasive violence faced by marginalized communities, stating, “It's tough to be here and not think about Minnesota.”
“I can't be here and not think about Renee,” he added, showcasing his commitment to using his platform for advocacy.
A Global Conversation
The precarity of freedom in different parts of the world was also brought to light by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi. His acceptance speech, poignant and defiant, served as a rallying cry for action against the state-sanctioned violence in his home country.
“The Islamic Republic has caused a bloodbath to delay its collapse,” Panahi exclaimed, drawing attention to the ongoing human catastrophe in Iran. “This is no longer a metaphor. This is a reality ridden with bullets day after day.”
His powerful message resonates in an industry that often grapples with the propriety of addressing contemporary issues versus sticking to the escapist entertainment narrative.
A Night of Celebrated Films
This year, the evening saw One Battle After Another emerge as the night's big winner. The neo-western epic has swept through various award circuits, now claiming best film, best director for Paul Thomas Anderson, and best actor for DiCaprio.
- Best Supporting Actor: Benicio Del Toro
- Best Breakthrough Performance: Chase Infiniti
Other notable mentions included Panahi's It Was Just an Accident, recognized as best international film, and Byrne's performance in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, which earned her the title of best actress.
Conclusion: Entertainment with a Purpose
The National Board of Review gala proved that the entertainment industry, albeit rich in glamour, is increasingly recognizing its role in broader cultural and political dialogues. This year's event ignited vital discussions on protest, art, and responsibility, reminding us that the glitz of Hollywood should never overshadow the gravity of the world beyond the red carpet.
Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/style/national-board-review-gala-leonardo-dicapio-benicio-del-toro.html
