New York ? “The Hours,” starring Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore and Nicole Kidman, is the year’s best movie, according to the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures.

Based on Michael Cunningham’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the film follows three women in three eras who are all tied to Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway.”

Moore also won the board’s best-actress award for “Far From Heaven,” in which she plays a 1950s New England housewife who learns her husband is gay, then begins a relationship with her black gardener.

Campbell Scott was named the best actor for “Roger Dodger,” in which he stars as a shallow womanizer who teaches his nephew about dating during an eventful night in Manhattan.

The group’s supporting actor prize went to Chris Cooper for “Adaptation.” Cooper co-stars as an eccentric orchid breeder in search of a rare, perfect flower.

Kathy Bates won best supporting actress for “About Schmidt,” in which she plays a bohemian divorcee.

Philip Noyce was the group’s director of the year for two films: “The Quiet American” and “Rabbit-Proof Fence.”

The documentary honor went to “Bowling for Columbine,” Michael Moore’s examination of America’s gun culture.

Pedro Almodovar’s “Talk to Her” was the board’s choice for best foreign film of the year. The Spanish film follows two men who are in love with women in comas in the same hospital.

Completing the list of the top 10 movies for 2002: “Chicago,” “Gangs of New York,” “The Quiet American,” “Adaptation,” “Rabbit-Proof Fence,” “The Pianist,” “Far From Heaven,” “Thirteen Conversations About One Thing” and “Frida.”

The National Board of Review awards represent the first step in anticipating Academy Award winners, but they’re usually not in step with what Oscar voters prefer.

Last year, board members chose Baz Luhrmann’s revisionist musical “Moulin Rouge” as the best movie; the Academy Award for best picture went to Ron Howard’s “A Beautiful Mind,” a far more traditional pick for its inspirational themes.

The National Board of Review, made up of teachers, writers, actors and movie production workers, will award the winners at a ceremony Jan. 14 in New York.