THE SOCIAL NETWORK NAMED BEST FILM BY NAT’L BOARD OF REVIEW

The Social Network, regarded as a strong contender in the Oscar race, received a suitable lift-off Thursday when it was voted best picture of the year by the National Board of Review, the group that historically launches the motion picture awards season. The group also gave top honors to the film’s star, Jesse Eisenberg, its director, David Fincher, and its screenwriter, Aaron Sorkin. Lesley Manville of the independent film Another Year was the somewhat surprising choice for best actress, as was Jacki Weaver, who won the best supporting actress award for Animal Kingdom. Christian Bale took the supporting actor award for The Fighter, while Waiting for Superman won for best documentary. Toy Story 3 was named best animated feature and Of Gods and Men, best foreign-language film.