NEW YORK - “Up in the Air” was named best picture from the National Board of Review and won a total of four awards.
Directed by Jason Reitman (”Juno,” “Thank You for Smoking”), the film stars George Clooney as a perpetually traveling contractor who fires people for a living. The National Board of Review, which announced its awards Thursday, also chose Clooney as best actor, an honor he shares with Morgan Freeman who plays Nelson Mandela in “Invictus.”
“Up in the Air” also won best supporting actress for Anna Kendrick and best adapted screenplay, penned by Reitman and Sheldon Turner working from Walter Kirn’s book of the same name.
Already an Oscar favorite, the win boosts the awards prospects of “Up in the Air,” which opens Friday. The last two NBR winners — “No Country for Old Men” and “Slumdog Millionaire” — have gone on to win best picture at the Academy Awards.
“I’m simply overwhelmed with gratitude for the many honors the National Board of Review has bestowed upon `Up in the Air,’” Reitman said in a statement. “I’m thrilled for George, I’m thrilled for Anna, and of course most thrilled for my father.”
Reitman’s father, Ivan Reitman, is the famous director of “Ghostbusters,” “Stripes” and other films. He’s also a producer of “Up in the Air.”
Added Reitman: “The day before your movie comes out is usually one of anxiety and anticipation. I’d like to thank the NBR for making today perfect.”
Best director went to Clint Eastwood for “Invictus,” the story of Mandela’s embrace of the South African national rugby team.
Carey Mulligan was chosen best actress for her lead performance in “An Education,” a coming-of-age story set in 1960s London. Woody Harrelson won best supporting actor for “The Messenger.” In the film, the actor plays Captain Tony Stone, who is tasked to inform the families of fallen soldiers.
Best animated film went to Pixar’s “Up,” an adventure about an elderly man who has always yearned for adventure and finds it when he flies away in his house with a boy who has stowed away. “The Cove,” about the slaughter of dolphins in a Japanese village, won best documentary. The prison drama “A Prophet” won best foreign film.
