Wicked Named the Best Film of 2024
The feature film Wicked has been hailed by film critics as the best movie of 2024, embodying the magic of cinema. The cinematic adaptation of Wicked, the hit Broadway musical, has been honored as the best movie of 2024 by the prestigious National Board of Review (NBR). This accolade, which reinforces the cultural and cinematic impact of the work, adds to the praise that the film, directed by Jon M. Chu, has received from critics and audiences alike, solidifying it as a top contender for the awards season.
Wicked (2024) has garnered various artistic reviews. While some highlight the quality of the performances, soundtrack, and choreography, others note that its narrative imbalance and reliance on digital effects make it less emotionally resonant. Feedback on this nearly three-hour-long film includes:
Soy de Cine: The movie is a visual and auditory spectacle but gets lost in its own exuberance.
Filmaffinity: A musical unashamed of its essence, recapturing the spirit of grandiose productions of the past.
MundoCine: An ambitious yet uneven adaptation of the Broadway musical.
IGN Spain: An emotional and powerful film with unforgettable performances.
Espinof: A musical that revives the greatness of classic genre films, with a soundtrack far from outdated.
Fotogramas: A display of emotion not seen in the genre for a long time.
El Periódico: The film succeeds thanks to the magnificent choreography of its musical numbers.
Wicked is an adaptation of the Broadway production that tells the story of Elphaba and Glinda, two iconic figures from Oz who meet at Shiz University and forge a complex friendship. The film stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and is directed by Jon M. Chu.
The National Board of Review (NBR) is one of the oldest and most respected institutions in film criticism, founded in 1909. Comprising filmmakers, scholars, students, and cinema enthusiasts, the NBR highlights the best in the art of filmmaking each year. Its awards are considered a predictor of success at the Oscars, often signaling which films will achieve glory in Hollywood.
Although Wicked was the star of the night, the National Board of Review also recognized other outstanding productions of 2024. Among them, Daniel Craig was named Best Actor for his role in Queer, while Nicole Kidman won Best Actress for Babygirl. Kieran Culkin and Elle Fanning received Best Supporting Actor and Actress awards for A Real Pain and A Complete Unknown, respectively.
The award for Best International Film went to The Seed of the Sacred Fig, while Flow was crowned Best Animated Film of the Year. Additionally, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga was celebrated for its achievements in production design and action sequences, showcasing the diversity of genres that shone in this edition.
The list of the year's top ten films included titles such as Gladiator II, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, and Sing Sing, highlighting a varied selection of works ranging from historical epics to intimate dramas.
With this recognition, Wicked stands as one of the most significant productions of 2024, combining visual splendor, emotional storytelling, and cultural impact, making cinema a truly magical experience.