The 55th National Board of Review Awards were announced on December 14, 1983.

Top Ten Films

1. Betrayal, Terms of Endearment
2. Educating Rita
3. Tender Mercies
4. The Dresser
5. The Right Stuff
6. Testament
7. Local Hero
8. The Big Chill
9. Cross Creek
10. Yentl

Top Foreign Films

1. Fanny and Alexander
2. The Return of Martin Guerre
3. That Night in Varennes
4. La traviata
5. Boat People

Winners

• Best Film: Betrayal, Terms of Endearment
• Best Foreign Film: Fanny and Alexander
• Best Actor: Tom Conti (Reuben, Reuben, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence)
• Best Actress: Shirley MacLaine (Terms of Endearment)
• Best Supporting Actor: Jack Nicholson (Terms of Endearment)
• Best Supporting Actress: Linda Hunt (The Year of Living Dangerously)
• Best Director: James L. Brooks (Terms of Endearment)
• Career Achievement Award: Gregory Peck