Bradley Cooper, Will Smith, Julianne Moore, Spike Lee, and More at the National Board of Review Awards

Tuesday night, outside of Cipriani 42nd Street, photographers and fans crowded to glimpse the famous attendees of the National Board of Review Gala. Inside, the mood was that of an intimate, family affair. Bradley Cooper, Will Smith, Julianne Moore, Spike Lee, and many other titans of film gathered to toast the best of their craft. 

Under the domed ceiling, a feast awaited guests. Dressed eclectically (sweatshirts and tuxedos were spotted), the crowd caught up before the festivities began.    

Throughout the evening, the devastation in Ukraine loomed. President of the National Board of Review, Annie Schulhof, opened with words of solidarity, and many of the honorees echoed her message. The NBR Freedom of Expression award went to Flee, the story of a gay Afghan man’s journey to Denmark. Filmmaker Jonas Poher Rasmussen recalled that while Ukraine fights Russia’s violent oppression, attacks on freedom are devastatingly widespread. “With everything going on in the world, I urge you to still remember Afghanistan and the Afghan people. They are starving. ”

For all the pathos, the evening had some lighter moments. Host Craig Melvin reminded recipients and presenters that the awards are not televised so as to feel emboldened to curse and drink. Many obliged. Trevor Noah delivered a bit of a roast in his introduction of Will Smith, who won best actor for his performance. In turn, Smith poked fun at Bradley Cooper and his last blossoming beauty. “I’ve seen pictures of Bradley Cooper when he was younger,” the actor said. “He didn’t look like this!” Ebony Obsidian, introducing Aunjanue Ellis, told of fangirling her idol (who would later play her mother in If Beale Street Could Talk) at a Manhattan Sephora. 

The night was a testament to film’s power to illuminate the human condition in all its beauty, comedy, and complexity.