Droupadi Murmu Presents 72nd National Film Awards

The 72nd National Film Awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu on 22 September 2026 at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat. The awards recognised achievements in Indian cinema for the year 2024, and the winners were announced on 18 July 2026 in a press conference.

National Film Awards

The National Film Awards are among India’s highest official honours for films and are administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The awards cover feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema across Indian languages.

Dadasaheb Phalke Award

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest award in cinema. It is named after Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, who is widely regarded as the father of Indian cinema. Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag received the award for 2024.

Major Winners in Feature Film Categories

The Hindi film Article 370, directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, won the Best Feature Film award. Mammootty won Best Actor for the Malayalam film Bramayugam, and Kartik Aaryan won Best Actor for the Hindi film Chandu Champion. Yami Gautam won Best Actress for Article 370. Kalki 2898 AD won the award for Best Popular Feature Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

Important Facts for Exams

• The 72nd National Film Awards were held at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat, which was the first venue outside New Delhi for the ceremony.
• The awards recognised films released in 2024.
• The National Film Awards are presented by the President of India.
• The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest honour in Indian cinema.

Venue and Jury-Related Facts

President Droupadi Murmu urged greater participation of women on the jury during the ceremony. She also asked film personalities to avoid endorsing harmful products, a reference to public health and consumer awareness in advertising. The National Film Awards were instituted in 1954 and remain a key annual film awards system in India. The awards are presented in New Delhi in most years, while the 72nd edition was held in Gujarat.