UNITED STATES (REUTERS) - Mad Max: Fury Road has been named the surprise winner of best film of 2015 by the National Board of Review.

The apocalyptic film starring Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy and directed by George Miller was launched in Cannes to rave reviews, but until now it has not been seen as a likely contender during award season.

The 100-year-old New York-based organisation usually award their top honors to films out of the mainstream, but this year blockbusters seem to have captured their eye.

The best director award went to Ridley Scott for the film The Martian, with Matt Damon picking up the best actor award for the same film.