Context

President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards on 22 September 2026 at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat.

The awards recognised achievements in Indian cinema for 2024, while veteran actor Anant Nag was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

The President highlighted cinema’s influence on society and emphasised the responsibility of film personalities as role models, particularly for young people.

About the National Film Awards

Instituted in 1954, the National Film Awards are among India’s most prestigious honours recognising excellence in Indian cinema.

Administering Ministry: They are conferred under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB).

Major sections: The awards recognise achievements across Feature Films, Non-Feature Films and Writing on Cinema.

Broad representation: Films from different Indian languages and regions compete for national recognition, reflecting the linguistic and cultural diversity of Indian cinema.

Selection: Feature films undergo a two-tier jury process, involving regional panels followed by a central panel; separate juries evaluate Non-Feature Films and Writing on Cinema.

Institutional change: Functions of the erstwhile Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) were transferred to the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) as part of the restructuring of film-media units.

72nd National Film Awards: Major Winners

Best Feature Film: Article 370 — Hindi

Best Non-Feature Film: Bhangaar — Marathi and English

Best Documentary: Ram-Nami — Hindi

Best Direction: Rajkumar Periasamy — Amaran

Best Actor in a Leading Role: Mammootty — Bramayugam and Kartik Aaryan — Chandu Champion (shared)

Best Actress in a Leading Role: Yami Gautam — Article 370

Best Debut Film of a Director: Randeep Hooda — Swatantrya Veer Savarkar

The awards also reflected India’s cinematic diversity, with films in languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi and Santhali receiving recognition.

Dadasaheb Phalke Award

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is regarded as the highest honour in Indian cinema, recognising outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.

Instituted: It was established by the Government of India in 1969.

First recipient: Legendary actress Devika Rani became its first recipient in 1969.

2024 recipient: Veteran actor Anant Nag received the honour at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony.

Unlike competitive National Film Award categories, no entries are invited for this award; a specially constituted committee of eminent film personalities recommends the recipient.

Who was Dadasaheb Phalke?

Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (1870–1944), popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke, is regarded as the Father of Indian Cinema.

He directed Raja Harishchandra (1913), widely recognised as India’s first full-length feature film.

India’s highest cinematic honour is named after him in recognition of his pioneering contribution to Indian filmmaking.

FAQs

Q1. When were the National Film Awards instituted?
The National Film Awards were instituted in 1954.

Q2. Which ministry is associated with the National Film Awards?
They fall under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Q3. What is the highest honour in Indian cinema?
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is regarded as India’s highest cinematic honour.

Q4. Who was the first recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?
Devika Rani became its first recipient in 1969.

Q5. Who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024?
Veteran actor Anant Nag received the award for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.