Tycoon Isidro “Sid” Consunji stands casually on the sprawling Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, the world’s largest salt flat or playa, touted as one of South America’s most majestic vistas.

NEW YORK—The National Board of Review put its full support behind Jon M. Chu’s Wicked, naming the lavish musical the best film of the year, Chu best director and awarding its stars, Cynthia Erivo and ...