Julianne Moore won the NRB's award for best actress in 2002

The NBR, which is comprised of film professionals, teachers, students and historians, are traditionally the first to give out their awards.

Last year they named The Hours as their best film.

They are also giving awards to composer Hans Zimmer and cinematographer John Toll for career achievements.

Composer Zimmer has recently completed his 100th score for The Last Samurai, which stars Tom Cruise.

The German-born musician has won a whole host of awards, including an Oscar in 1995 for the score of Lion King, plus a nomination for Gladiator in 2000.

Cinematographer Toll picked up two consecutive Oscars for Braveheart (1995) and Legends of the Fall in 1994.

Winner Moore

The NBR awards are regarded as the first pointer to the Oscars, but have a tradition of honouring more offbeat films.

In 2002, they went against the grain by choosing Julianne Moore as best actress for her role in Far From Heaven.

Campbell Scott won best actor trophy for his performance in Roger Dodger, which failed to appear in the Oscar nominations.