The National Film Awards remain India’s most prestigious honour for excellence in cinema. The 72nd edition, presented on 22 September 2026, marked a historic shift as the ceremony moved outside New Delhi for the first time in decades.
Historic Ceremony at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the awards at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat, against the backdrop of the Statue of Unity. This was the first major departure from the traditional Delhi venue, signalling a new approach of hosting future editions across different states. The event celebrated outstanding films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification in 2024. Winners had been announced earlier on 18 July 2026.
Major Winners of the 72nd National Film Awards
Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag received the highest honour for his more than five-decade contribution to Indian cinema.
Best Feature Film
Article 370 (Producers: Jio Studios & B62 Studios; Director: Aditya Suhas Jambhale)
Best Actor (Leading Role) – Shared
- Kartik Aaryan – Chandu Champion
- Mammootty – Bramayugam
Best Actress (Leading Role)
Yami Gautam – Article 370
Best Director
Rajkumar Periasamy – Amaran
Best Debut Film of a Director
Randeep Hooda – Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
Best Feature Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment
Kalki 2898 AD
Best Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values
Captain Miller
Best Supporting Actor
Sanjay Mishra – Bhakshak
Best Supporting Actress – Shared
- Ropashree Varkady – Mithya
- Sachana Namidass – Maharaja
Best Children’s Film
35 Chinna Katha Kaadu
Best Non-Feature Film
Bhangaar
Best Documentary
Ram-Nami
Other Notable Awards
- Best Cinematography: Shehnad Jalal (Bramayugam)
- Best Original Screenplay: Sukumar (Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2)
- Best Music Direction (Songs): Shashwat Sachdev (Article 370)
- Best Music Direction (Background Score): G.V. Prakash Kumar (Amaran)
- Best Lyrics: Manoj Muntashir (Maidaan)
- Best Choreography: Vijay Ganguly (Stree 2)
- Best Production Design: Nitin Zihani Choudhary (Kalki 2898 AD)
Best Films in Regional Languages
- Hindi: Srikanth
- Tamil: Raayan
- Telugu: Committee Kurrollu
- Malayalam: Feminichi Fathima
- Kannada: Mithya
- Marathi: Mukkam Post Bombilwadi
- Bengali: Chalchitra Ekhon
- And several others including Assamese, Odia, Gujarati, Manipuri, Tulu and Garhwali films.
Why the National Film Awards Matter
The National Film Awards stand apart from commercial awards because they are decided by independent juries and recognise artistic merit, technical excellence and social relevance across all Indian languages. The 72nd edition continued this tradition while expanding the geographical reach of the ceremony itself.
From political dramas like Article 370 to period films, regional stories and big-budget entertainers such as Kalki 2898 AD and Pushpa 2, the winners list reflects the rich diversity of Indian cinema in 2024.
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The 72nd National Film Awards not only celebrated outstanding performances and filmmaking but also opened a new chapter by taking the prestigious event beyond Delhi. With Anant Nag receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and strong recognition for both mainstream and regional cinema, the 2026 ceremony will be remembered as a significant milestone.
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