Oscar season officially kicked off on Wednesday as the dazzling Moulin Rouge took top honours from the National Board of Review. The prestigious awards are the first in a series of kudos bestowed on the best films of the year and are often seen as a precursor to Oscar glory.

The beautiful Halle Berry – tipped to be the next Bond babe – was named Best Actress for the much-talked-about drama Monster’s Ball, pipping Nicole Kidman to the post. Insiders predicted the flame-haired Aussie would be honoured for Moulin and The Others, though she was absent from the list. Halle’s co-star Billy Bob Thornton scored for Best Actor, applauded for his work in Monster’s Ball, The Man Who Wasn’t There and Bandits.

“It’s gratifying to be recognized for all those films because when you have that many movies out, you’re afraid some of them might not be noticed,” said Billy Bob. The National Board of Review, an organisation comprised of members of the film industry including actors and writers, will often award performers with one prize based on their work in a series of pictures.

Cate Blanchett was singled out for Best Supporting Actress for The Man Who Cried, The Shipping News, and the long-awaited fantasy The Lord Of The Rings.

Jim Broadbent was named Best Supporting Actor for Iris, in which he co-stars alongside Dame Judi Dench, and Moulin Rouge.

Hayden Christensen, soon-to-be a major star thanks to his role as Anakin Skywalker in the upcoming Episode II: Attack Of The Clones, was honoured with a Breakthrough Performance trophy for Life As A House. Veteran actor Jon Voight, already receiving rave reviews for his portrayal of legendary sports announcer Howard Cosell in Ali, was tipped for a Career Achievement Award.

Other winners include Shrek for Best Animated Film and The Lord Of The Rings for Best Production Design.

The National Board composes a Top Ten list of best films for the year. Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven – featuring George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Andy Garcia – Memento,AI, and In The Bedroom all made the cut.

“I feel deeply touched to be held in such esteem by the National Board of Review,” said In The Bedroom’s Todd Field, the Best Director recipient.

The awards will be handed out at a January 7 ceremony at posh Manhattan restaurant Tavern on the Green.

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