🎬 National Film Awards 2026 — Latest News
The 72nd National Film Awards were presented on 22 September 2026 at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the awards. This edition honours films from the 2024 eligibility year.
🏆 Major Winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Feature Film | Article 370 |
| Best Actor | Mammootty – Bramayugam |
| Best Actor | Kartik Aaryan – Chandu Champion |
| Best Actress | Yami Gautam – Article 370 |
| Best Director | Rajkumar Periasamy – Amaran |
| Best Debut Director | Randeep Hooda – Swatantrya Veer Savarkar |
| Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment | Kalki 2898 AD |
| Best Non-Feature Film | Bhangaar |
| Best Documentary | Ram-Nami |
The winners were officially announced on 18 July 2026.
🌟 Anant Nag receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 at the ceremony. President Murmu presented the honour in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema over a career spanning more than five decades.
📍 First major venue change
A notable feature of the 2026 ceremony was that it was held at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, rather than the traditional venue in New Delhi. Reports describe this as the first National Film Awards ceremony held outside New Delhi in decades.
Important: “National Film Awards 2026” refers to the 2026 announcement/presentation, while the awards themselves recognise the 2024 film cycle.
Official PIB announcement and full winners list
President of India — 72nd National Film Awards ceremony
