George Clooney, Stacy Keibler, Rooney Mara in Limelight at National Board of Review Awards Gala [SLIDESHOW]

Girlfriend Stacy Keibler joined actor George Clooney at the 2011 National Board of Review (NBR) Award gala at Cipriani, 42nd Street in New York City on January 10. Clooney picked up the Best Actor Award for his performance in "The Descendants".

Keibler, who wore a Marchesa black satin gown with sequin work at the shoulders, looked elegant.

"The Girl with Dragon Tattoo" actress Rooney Mara settled for an LBD as she received the Breakthrough Performance Award for the film.

British actress Tilda Swindon picked up the Best Actress Award for her performance in "We Need to Talk About Kevin" and Martin Scorsese got the Best Director Award for the film "Hugo"; Hugo was also named the Best Film at the gala.

Actors Ben Affleck, Kevin Spacey, Helen Mirren, Mark Wahlberg among others also attended the event.

NBR has been encouraging films, both domestic and international, and of every genre for more than 100 years. The non-profit organisation especially supports films which promote freedom of expression.

The organisation has a panel of film enthusiasts, directors, academics and students who review more than 250 films in all categories throughout the year. The awards are announced after the panel's opinion and voting is taken into account.