IN PICTURES: All the standout moments from the National Board of Review Awards gala
Celebrities gathered in New York for the National Board of Review Awards gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on January 7, 2025.
It marked Ryan Reynolds' first public appearance since the legal battle between his wife Blake Lively and actor/director Justin Baldoni came to light.
Reynolds was a presenter on-stage during the evening, awarding the Best Film award to Wicked, but appeared to have a few notes prepared for before the award was handed over.
The Canadian actor hugged British actress Cynthia Erivo as she and co-star Ariana Grande accepted the trophy on behalf of the musical.
Reynolds stood with his arm around Erivo on stage in a moment of solidarity as real-life couple and co-stars Ethan Slater and Grande stood arm-in-arm next to them.
Michelle Yeoh (far left) was also on hand for the film's big award, along with Wicked director Jon M Chu (second right) and producer David Nicksay (far right).
The group all posed together backstage with Chu holding the glass trophy after their win.
Chu, also took home the Best Director award, during which he was introduced by Lin Manuel-Miranda.
He used the moment to reflect on his years-long journey with Wicked, which will be followed by an already-shot part two due out this November.
So lengthy has his time in Oz been that the director noted he had three children during its making, including one born the day of the movie's premiere.
"No twins, same mum," assured Chu.
"I know what you guys are whispering."
Ryan Reynolds, an avowed fan of the film, took up the topic in his introduction to the film's final award.
"The man missed the premiere of his own film so he could attend the birth of his fifth child," Reynolds said.
"I barely made it to the inception of my own children."
Earlier, against the photo wall (there was no red carpet rolled out for arrivals at this awards ceremony) Erivo showcased her most recognisable accessory these days - flashing her intricately designed, extra-long acrylic nails for the cameras.
Grande channelled her Wicked character Gahlinda (aka Glinda the Good Witch) by wearing a pink gown for the ceremony.
Ethan Slater may have been happy to stand alongside his girlfriend on stage but the actors made a point of arriving separately for the ceremony.
Michelle Yeoh kept it simple and sleek in a black, partially see-through gown for the ceremony.
