The National Board of Review has picked "A Most Violent Year" as the "Best Film of 2014," Deadline Hollywood reported. J.C. Chandor's crime drama, which tells the story of some thuggish New Jersey-New York oil cartels, was seen as an underdog in the category, which is decided by the more than 100 members of the New York-based board.

The movie "is an exhilarating crime drama with a compelling story, outstanding performances and an elegant cinematic style," National Board of Review President Annie Schulhof said in a statement. "Chandor has given us a new and provocative perspective on the American Dream."

Among the other awards announced by the board were that for "Best Director," which went to Clint Eastwood for his film "American Sniper"; "Best Actress," which honored Julianne Moore for her performance in "Still Alice"; and "Best Supporting Actor," which was given to Edward Norton for his work in "Birdman," a movie that many had favored to win the "Best Film" category.

"A Most Violent Year," meanwhile, clinched a number of additional awards: Oscar Isaac was crowned as the year's "Best Actor," an honor he shares with Michael Keaton, of "Birdman," due to a tie; and Jessica Chastain took home the award for "Best Supporting Actress."

"Chandor's tense tale of the American dream set against the backdrop of 1982 New York City vaulted into the Oscar conversation" with the National Board of Review's decision, Entertainment Weekly analyzed. "The selection was a surprise in an awards season that has so far been split between 'Boyhood' (New York Film Critics Circle winner) and 'Birdman' (the Gotham Awards victor)," Variety concurred.

Aside from the individual awards, the National Board of Review released its much-expected lists of top films of the year, the Huffington Post noted. Beyond "Boyhood" and "Birdman," they included "American Sniper," "Fury," "Gone Girl," "The Imitation Game," "Inherent Vice," "The LEGO Movie," "Nightcrawler" and "Unbroken."

The nonprofit organization was established in 1909, Deadline Hollywood notes, and is comprised of "knowledgeable film enthusiasts, professionals, academics, young filmmakers and students." It will hand out its awards at a Jan. 6 event hosted by Lara Spencer in New York.