The 44th National Board of Review Awards were announced on December 14, 1972.

Top Ten Films

1. Cabaret
2. Man of La Mancha
3. The Godfather
4. Sounder
5. 1776
6. The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds
7. Deliverance
8. The Ruling Class
9. The Candidate
10. Frenzy

Top Foreign Films

1. The Sorrow and the Pity
2. The Emigrants
3. The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie
4. Chloe in the Afternoon
5. Uncle Vanya

Winners

• Best Film:
  • Cabaret
• Best Foreign Film:
  • The Sorrow and the Pity
• Best Actor:
  • Peter O'Toole - Man of La Mancha, The Ruling Class
• Best Actress:
  • Cicely Tyson - Sounder
• Best Supporting Actor:
  • Al Pacino - The Godfather
  • Joel Grey - Cabaret
• Best Supporting Actress:
  • Marisa Berenson - Cabaret
• Best Director:
  • Bob Fosse - Cabaret