72nd National Film Awards: Celebrating Yami Gautam, Mammootty & Anant Nag’s Special Moments
The 72nd National Film Awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements in Indian cinema for 2026.
This esteemed event honors the dedication and creativity of filmmakers, actors, and technicians across multiple categories.
For the first time, the ceremony takes place outside New Delhi, showcasing films released during the 2024 film cycle.
Noteworthy titles like "Article 370" and "Chandu Champion" are among the celebrated works. Let’s look at the details of the awards, the winners, and the standout moments from this year’s ceremony.
72nd National Film Awards | What is the Ceremony?
National Film Awards 2026: The National Film Awards ceremony occurred on September 22, 2026, celebrating a vital moment in the journey of Indian cinema.
With President Droupadi Murmu present, the event radiated artistic brilliance and unity.
The move to a new venue infused the festivities with an exciting energy, emphasizing the significance of showcasing regional talent in filmmaking.
Prominent films like "Article 370" received well-deserved recognition, reflecting the rich mix of narratives in today’s cinema.
This ceremony also sought to motivate emerging filmmakers by honoring their creative contributions to the industry.
Key Highlights and Winners
This year’s National Film Awards ceremony showcased an impressive array of talent:
- Best Actress: Yami Gautam took home the award for her compelling role in "Article 370."
- Best Actor: The award was shared between Mammootty for "Bramayugam" and Kartik Aaryan for "Chandu Champion."
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Veteran actor Anant Nag received this prestigious honor for his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema.
These accolades celebrate not just individual excellence but also highlight the dynamic evolution of Bollywood and regional films in India.
The 72nd National Film Awards beautifully captured the creativity and passion that fuels the film industry.
What is the 72nd National Film Awards? Significance of the National Film Awards
The 72nd National Film Awards hold great importance in honoring cinematic excellence across India.
They shine a spotlight on the dedication and creativity of filmmakers, actors, and technicians, fostering a culture rich in innovation and artistic expression.
Since their inception in 1954, these awards have undergone significant evolution. Initially focused on recognizing exceptional works in Indian cinema, they now embrace a wider array of regional films and diverse storytelling that beautifully reflects India's vibrant cultural landscape.
These awards celebrate individual accomplishments while also showcasing the growth and transformation of the industry.
As Indian cinema gains international acclaim, the National Film Awards stand as a standard for quality and creativity, motivating future generations to chase their dreams in filmmaking.
Highlights from the Ceremony
The National Film Awards ceremony unfolded on September 22, 2026, in a new venue, marking a refreshing departure from tradition.
This year, the event moved beyond New Delhi, emphasizing a commitment to regional representation in Indian cinema.
Among the notable attendees was President Droupadi Murmu, who had the honor of presenting the awards, alongside various influential figures from the film industry.
The atmosphere was charged with excitement as talented individuals were celebrated for their remarkable contributions.
Esteemed actors and directors took to the stage as presenters, adding glamour to the evening.
Special performances captivated the audience, highlighting the rich diversity of Indian cinema through music and dance that showcased various film genres.
This year’s ceremony also included segments that paid homage to the enduring legacy of cinema, underscoring storytelling's role in shaping society.
The blend of awards, performances, and heartfelt speeches created a memorable celebration of Indian cinema's achievements over the past year.
In essence, the 72nd National Film Awards honored the past while paving the way for the future of filmmaking in India, inspiring new talent and promoting continued excellence in cinema.
Winners of the 72nd National Film Awards | Major Award Categories
The 72nd National Film Awards celebrated outstanding talent in the Indian film industry, shining a light on the best across various categories.
Key awards included Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress, highlighting the exceptional work in filmmaking.
72nd National Film Awards Winners List
- Best Film: Article 370
- Best Director: Rajkumar Periasamy for Amaran
- Best Actor: Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion and Mammootty for Bramayugam
- Best Actress: Yami Gautam for Article 370
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Anant Nag
Notable Mentions
Beyond the major awards, the ceremony recognized significant contributions to Indian cinema.
The Article 370 National Award honored films that address vital social issues, while the Chandu Champion National Award celebrated outstanding performances in regional cinema.
These accolades highlight the importance of storytelling and the role of films in tackling societal challenges.
Filmmakers who engage with social themes continue to inspire audiences and spark discussions, making these awards essential to the film industry's growth.
The celebration of such works emphasizes the need for narratives that resonate with the public and encourage dialogue on critical issues.
The 72nd National Film Awards not only acknowledged individual accomplishments but also showcased the collective efforts of filmmakers in raising social awareness through cinema.
These awards serve as a powerful reminder of film’s ability to influence, educate, and entertain.
As the industry evolves, recognizing these contributions will likely motivate future filmmakers to explore new narratives and push creative boundaries.
Yami Gautam Receives National Award | Her Reaction
Yami Gautam National Award: When Yami Gautam received the award from President Droupadi Murmu, she explained what the moment meant to her.
She described the award as a source of pride and honour for any artist who is dedicated to their craft.
Yami also sent a message to those who are moving from other cities to Mumbai in order to become actors.
She stated that she was speaking on behalf of all those who come to the city with dreams and reminded them that the future can never be certain.
She told the aspiring actors to keep working hard and to do their best, adding that this kind of recognition would eventually come to them.
Yami said she still has a lot to learn and many more roles to play. Speaking in Hindi, she admitted she was unsure how far she had come, and that there was still much to learn and more work ahead.
She called the award a great honour and said getting it at such a historic place made her feel very proud.
National Film Awards Latest Update | Audience and Industry Reactions
The 72nd National Film Awards set social media ablaze, with fans and industry professionals sharing their reactions to the winners and standout performances.
Many took to Twitter and Instagram to celebrate Yami Gautam's success, while others cheered for Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty, who shared the Best Actor award.
The excitement illustrated the strong bond between audiences and their favorite stars, fueling conversations about the films that truly connected with viewers.
Critics also chimed in, applauding the ceremony’s fresh venue and the diverse array of films recognized this year.
Many praised the growing appreciation for regional cinema, noting how films like Chandu Champion and Bramayugam pushed creative boundaries and showcased varied narratives.
The recognition these films received signals a significant shift in the industry, encouraging filmmakers to look at new themes and storytelling styles.
Audience reactions included heartfelt messages about how powerful performances have shaped their views on societal issues.
The awards ceremony not only celebrated artistic excellence but also highlighted cinema's role in fostering discussions about important topics, such as those explored in Article 370.
As the excitement from the event begins to settle, the industry eagerly anticipates how these accolades will influence future projects and inspire the next generation of filmmakers.
The collective enthusiasm surrounding the 72nd National Film Awards reflects a vibrant film community ready to celebrate and support innovative storytelling in the years ahead.
Comparison of Past and Present Awards
The evolution of the National Film Awards truly mirrors the shifting landscape of Indian cinema over the years.
With the conclusion of the 72nd National Film Awards, it’s fascinating to look back and compare the recent winners to those from previous years.
This comparison reveals emerging trends in filmmaking, acting, and storytelling that resonate with audiences today.
Notable Trends
This year’s ceremony saw Chandu Champion awarded Best Film, highlighting a shift toward stories that mix entertainment with important social themes.
The shared Best Actor award between Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty underlines a growing appreciation for diverse performances that cross regional divides.
Meanwhile, Yami Gautam's recognition for her role in Article 370 points to the industry's increasing acknowledgment of strong female leads and the significance of narratives addressing societal issues.
Shifting Narratives
When we look back at previous years, it’s clear that recent winners are celebrated not only for their artistic quality but also for their ability to spark social conversations.
Films like Article 370 and Chandu Champion tackle themes that resonate deeply with viewers, reflecting a wider cultural awareness.
This evolution in storytelling aligns with the awards' objective to promote creativity that mirrors the complexities of contemporary India.
72nd National Awards 2026: A Brief Overview of Awards
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Anant Nag
- Best Feature Film: Article 370
- Best Director: Rajkumar Periasamy — Amaran
- Best Actor: Kartik Aaryan — Chandu Champion
- Best Actor: Mammootty — Bramayugam
- Best Actress: Yami Gautam — Article 370
- Best Supporting Actor: Sanjay Mishra — Bhakshak
- Best Supporting Actress: Sachana Namidass — Maharaja
- Best Supporting Actress: Ropashree Varkady — Mithya
- Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kalki 2898 AD
- Best Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values: Captain Miller
- Best Debut Film of a Director: Randeep Hooda — Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
- Best Children’s Film: 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu
- Best Child Artists: Riddhiman Banerjee, Tapomoy Deb, Gitashree Chakraborty, Arundev Pothula and Athish S. Shetty
- Best Cinematography: Shehnad Jalal — Bramayugam
- Best Original Screenplay: Sukumar — Pushpa 2: The Rule
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Yogesh Deshpande — Swargandharva Sudhir Phadke
- Best Dialogue Writer: Venky Atluri — Lucky Baskhar
- Best Production Design: Nitin Zihani Choudhary — Kalki 2898 AD
- Best Action Direction: Anl Arasu — Maharaja
- Best Make-up Artist: P. Ravi Kumar — Committee Kurrollu
- Best Costume Design: Deepali Noor and Sheetal Sharma — Pushpa 2: The Rule
- Best Music Direction (Songs): Shashwat Sachdev — Article 370
- Best Background Music: G. V. Prakash Kumar — Amaran
- Best Lyrics: Manoj Muntashir — Maidaan
- Best Male Playback Singer: Abhay Jodhpurkar — Gharat Ganpati
- Best Female Playback Singer: Vaikom Vijayalakshmi — A.R.M.
- Best Choreography: Vijay Ganguly — Stree 2
- Best Sound Design: Manas Choudhury — Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
- Best Editing: R. Kalaivannan — Amaran
Best Feature Films by Language
- Best Assamese Film: Juiphool
- Best Bengali Film: Chalchitra Ekhon
- Best Hindi Film: Srikanth
- Best Kannada Film: Mithya
- Best Malayalam Film: Feminichi Fathima
- Best Marathi Film: Mukkam Post Bombilwadi
- Best Odia Film: Lahari
- Best Tamil Film: Raayan
- Best Telugu Film: Committee Kurrollu
- Best Gujarati Film: Maaran
- Best Manipuri Film: Sunita
- Best Konkani Film: Mog Asum
- Best Tulu Film: IMBU
- Best Garhwali Film: Dholi
Conclusion
As the 72nd National Film Awards draws to a close, it’s evident that the recognition of talent and storytelling is evolving.
These awards celebrate individual accomplishments while also highlighting the industry's shift towards more meaningful and socially relevant cinema.
This trend is set to continue, inspiring filmmakers to look at innovative narratives that engage and uplift audiences.
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