The National Board of Review hosted its annual awards gala in New York City, bringing Hollywood’s finest to Manhattan’s Cipriani 42nd Street. With the Golden Globes just days away and Oscar nominations on the horizon, the event carried extra weight—especially for Creed star Sylvester Stallone, who took home the Best Supporting Actor award for his emotional return as Rocky Balboa.
Stallone’s Oscar Buzz Gains Momentum
With Academy Award ballots due, Stallone’s victory at the National Board of Review could impact next week’s Oscar nominations, where he is a strong contender for Best Supporting Actor. His performance in Creed has been widely praised, reigniting discussions about his acting chops and career longevity.
Among the night’s honorees was The Martian star Matt Damon, who accepted the Best Actor award and shared a personal connection to Stallone’s famous underdog story. Reflecting on his struggles to get Good Will Hunting made in 1997, Damon cited Stallone’s legendary battle to play the lead in Rocky.
“Believe me, they really wanted to take it away from us,” Damon said, comparing his experience to Stallone’s fight to keep the role he wrote for himself.
Hollywood Applauds Stallone’s Performance in Creed
The Martian director Ridley Scott, who won Best Director, took a moment to acknowledge Stallone’s work in Creed, calling out his powerful performance:
“Wasn’t Sly great?!”
As Stallone took the stage to accept his award, he was joined by Creed writer-director Ryan Coogler, who delivered a heartfelt introduction. Coogler reminisced about Stallone’s dedication on set, recalling how the veteran actor arrived armed with extensive notes to refine Rocky’s character.
“He was like a malleable piece of clay, but a piece of clay that’s been a movie star for 40-plus years,” Coogler praised.
Stallone’s Emotional Acceptance Speech
Ever the class act, Stallone used his moment in the spotlight to deflect praise onto Coogler, recognizing the director’s talent and future in the industry.
“You are the future. I am the past. I see a lot of me in you and you in me.”
With this Best Supporting Actor win under his belt, Stallone’s chances for an Oscar nomination continue to climb, marking one of the most exciting comebacks in Hollywood history.
