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Awards & Honours25 Essential Exam Concepts
72nd National Film Awards GK Facts, Overview & Study Guide
The 72nd National Film Awards, announced on July 18, 2026, by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), represent the highest sovereign recognition of cinematic achievement in India. First instituted in 1954 as the "State Awards for Films," the National Film Awards were conceived to foster national integration, celebrate aesthetic excellence, and encourage artistic cinema across India's diverse linguistic and cultural traditions. The 72nd edition evaluated cinematic works certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. The formal presentation ceremony takes place at Ekta Nagar (formerly Kevadia) in Gujarat, where the President of India confers the awards.
The selection process for the National Film Awards is distinguished by an exhaustive, multi-tier jury architecture designed to safeguard artistic merit and regional equity. Managed administratively by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC)—which integrated the Directorate of Film Festivals in 2022—independent national juries are formed for Feature Films, Non-Feature Films, and Best Writing on Cinema. Jury panels comprise eminent directors, writers, cinematographers, and film critics appointed by the Union Government. Operating under strict non-disclosure protocols in sequestered screenings, the juries evaluate cinematic language, socio-cultural relevance, and technical execution rather than commercial box office metrics. The awards are divided into the prestigious Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) and Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus), carrying medallions, citations, and cash prizes.
At the 72nd edition, the political thriller "Article 370" received the Swarna Kamal for Best Feature Film, with lead actress Yami Gautam securing the Rajat Kamal for Best Actress in a Leading Role. In a historic joint verdict, the Best Actor in a Leading Role was awarded to Kartik Aaryan for his biographical portrayal in "Chandu Champion" and veteran actor Mammootty for his psychological performance in "Bramayugam." Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Direction for the military drama "Amaran," while the futuristic epic "Kalki 2898 AD" was named Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. India’s highest honor in cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for lifetime achievement, was conferred upon legendary Kannada and Hindi cinema actor Anant Nag, reaffirming the awards’ role in chronicling the cultural memory of Indian cinema.
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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting officially announced the winners of the 72nd National Film Awards on July 18, 2026.
The 72nd edition honors cinematic excellence in films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during the 2024 calendar year.
The formal presentation ceremony is scheduled for September 22, 2026, at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat, with honors conferred by the President of India.
The National Film Awards were first established in 1954 under the title "State Awards for Films" to encourage artistic and educational cinema.
Administrative management of the awards is handled by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), following its 2022 institutional merger with the Directorate of Film Festivals.
The political drama "Article 370," directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, won the Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) for Best Feature Film.
The Best Actor in a Leading Role was jointly awarded to Kartik Aaryan (for "Chandu Champion") and Mammootty (for "Bramayugam").
Yami Gautam won the Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus) for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in "Article 370."
The award for Best Direction was conferred upon Rajkumar Periasamy for the biographical military film "Amaran."
The sci-fi epic "Kalki 2898 AD," directed by Nag Ashwin, won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
The Swarna Kamal for Best Non-Feature Film was awarded to the acclaimed documentary "Bhangaar."
Veteran actor Anant Nag was honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.
Award winners are decided by independent National Juries comprising prominent filmmakers, critics, and scholars appointed by the Union Government.
The jury system operates through a structured two-tier screening format, separating initial regional evaluations from the final national deliberations.
The awards recognize cinematic productions across all 22 Eighth Schedule languages as well as other non-scheduled Indian tongues.
Awards are split into two honor tiers: the Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) and Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus), accompanied by cash endowments.
The selection mechanism is strictly insulated from box office commercial figures, prioritizing thematic depth, social relevance, and visual artistry.
The Non-Feature Film section provides high-profile national recognition for investigative documentaries, educational shorts, and anthropological films.
The Best Writing on Cinema section honors outstanding film criticism, analytical cinema books, and historical cinematic scholarship.
Jury members work under strict confidentiality agreements, submitting sealed recommendations directly to the Minister for Information and Broadcasting.
Special Jury Awards and Special Mentions are designated to honor innovative visual effects, experimental sound design, and breakthrough performers.
All award-winning films, scripts, and documentaries are permanently preserved in the archives of the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) in Pune.