72nd National Film Awards 2026 Announced

Key Facts

• Date of announcement: 18 July 2026
• Location: New Delhi
• Films certified in 2024 by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) were eligible
• Organized and presented by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India
• Jury chairperson: Filmmaker Jayaraj
• Total jury members: 11
• The awards cover feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema across multiple Indian languages
• Major category winners include:
  • Best Feature Film: Article 370 (Hindi) produced by Jio Studios & B62 Studios, directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale
  • Best Debut Film of a Director: Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (Hindi), directed by Randeep Hooda
  • Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kalki 2898 AD (Telugu), produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, directed by Nag Ashwin Singireddy
  • Best Direction: Rajkumar Periasamy for Amaran (Tamil)
  • Best Actor in a Leading Role (shared): Mammootty for Bramayugam (Malayalam) and Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion (Hindi)
  • Best Actress in a Leading Role: Yami Gautam for Article 370 (Hindi)
  • Best Bengali Film: Chalchitra Ekhon, produced and directed by Anjan Dutt
  • Special Mentions awarded to actor Dhanush for Captain Miller and sound mix engineer Suren G. for Meiyazhagan (Tamil)

Background & Context

The National Film Awards are India’s most prestigious official awards for cinematic excellence, administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. They recognize achievements across various Indian languages in feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema.

Films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in the relevant eligibility year—in this case, 2024—qualify for consideration. An expert jury assesses entries based on artistic and technical merit.

The awards also encourage social awareness, environmental consciousness, and national integration through cinema, reflected in specific award categories such as Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values.

Why This Matters for Exams

Questions on the National Film Awards frequently appear in competitive exams under current affairs, culture, and general knowledge sections. Important points include award dates, major winners, jury leadership, institutional organizers, and notable films or personalities recognized.

Familiarity with award categories and examples of awarded films across languages enhances comprehensive preparation for questions about Indian cinema and related government initiatives.

Points to Remember

• The 72nd National Film Awards were announced on 18 July 2026 in New Delhi.
• Films certified in 2024 by the CBFC were eligible.
• The jury was chaired by filmmaker Jayaraj and comprised 11 members.
• Major awards included Best Feature Film to Article 370 (Hindi) and Best Bengali Film to Chalchitra Ekhon by Anjan Dutt.
• Best Actor in a Leading Role was jointly awarded to Mammootty (Bramayugam, Malayalam) and Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion, Hindi).
• Organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under the Government of India.
• The National Film Awards cover a wide range of categories including direction, acting, music, cinematography, screenplay, regional films, and writings on cinema.
• Special Mentions recognize noteworthy contributions that may not fit mainstream categories.