The 25th National Board of Review Awards were announced in late December, 1953.

Top Ten Films

1. Julius Caesar
2. Shane
3. From Here to Eternity
4. Martin Luther
5. Lili
6. Roman Holiday
7. Stalag 17
8. The Little Fugitive
9. Mogambo
10. The Robe

Top Foreign Films

1. A Queen is Crowned
2. Moulin Rouge
3. The Little World of Don Camillo
4. Strange Deception
5. The Conquest of Everest

Winners

• Best Film: Julius Caesar
• Best Foreign Film: A Queen is Crowned
• Best Actor: James Mason (Face to Face, The Desert Rats, The Man Between, Julius Caesar)
• Best Actress: Jean Simmons (Young Bess, The Robe, The Actress)
• Best Director: George Stevens (Shane)