THE National Board of Review on Tuesday awarded “A Most Violent Year,” a drama about a man fighting to protect his business in early 1980s New York City, prizes for best film, actor and supporting actress in the second major film awards in the run-up to the Oscars.

    The star of the film, Oscar Isaac, shared the best acting prize with Michael Keaton, who portrayed a has-been actor in “Birdman.” Jessica Chastain nabbed the supporting actress prize for playing Isaac’s wife.

    Clint Eastwood was named best director for “American Sniper,” about a Navy SEAL played by Bradley Cooper.

    Edward Norton picked up the best supporting actor prize for his role in “Birdman,” and Julianne Moore won the top actress award for her portrayal of a 50-year-old woman with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in “Still Alice.”

    The NBR, a U.S.-based group of movie industry watchers and film professionals, will present the awards in New York on Jan. 6.

    (SD-Agencies)