The National Film Awards are among the most reputable film honors in India, recognizing excellence in the country’s diverse cinematic landscape. Established in 1954, these awards are presented annually by the Directorate of Film Festivals, an organization set up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. An aspect of the National Film Awards is their jury system.
Each year, a panel of filmmakers, critics, and scholars from across India is appointed to evaluate the entries. The financial aim is to encourage the production of films of high taste and of high class across all Indian languages. The awards cover a wide range of categories, including feature films, non-feature films, and best writing on cinema. Some of the conspicuous awards include Best Feature Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Cinematography. There are also jurisdictional awards recognizing films in various Indian languages, ensuring representation from intelligent cultural backgrounds.
The awards celebrate not just mainstream cinema but also films that explore companionable issues, territorial stories, and experimental filmmaking. Their judgments are respected for being fair, unbiased, and rooted in artistic merit. Winning a National Film Award is a close honor and often serves as a benchmark of quality for filmmakers and actors. It helps promote Indian cinema domestically and internationally by showcasing the prosperous diversity and talent within the industry.
Kartik Aaryan visited Lalbaugcha Raja with his National Award after winning Best Actor for Chandu Champion. He sought blessings at the Mumbai pandal with the prestigious honour in hand.
For the first time in over seven decades, the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is moving out of the national capital and will be held in Kevadia, Gujarat, at Ekta Nagar near the Statue of Unity. President Droupadi Murmu will honour the awardees at the end of the month, celebrating artists including Mammootty, Kartik Aaryan, Yami Gautam, Randeep Hooda, and Sanjay Mishra, alongside filmmaker Aanand L. Rai, who won Best Direction in the Non-Feature category for 'Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Pratik'. The surprise relocation from New Delhi has triggered debate, with opposition parties alleging political favouritism towards Gujarat. Critics have drawn parallels to previous landmark events, such as the Cricket World Cup final and the proposed Commonwealth Games bid in Ahmedabad, questioning why significant national events are repeatedly shifted to the state. Authorities and the concerned ministry remain tight-lipped, offering no official clarification on the reasons behind the venue shift or whether it represents a permanent change.
As Lagaan completes 25 years, India Post has unveiled a special commemorative cover and cancellation. Here's why the honour marks another milestone in the film's enduring legacy.
On this report, India Today’s Shibi Mole KG discusses the controversy surrounding the Padma Bhushan conferred upon Malayalam superstar Mammootty in 2026. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed that while the state rejoices in the honour, 'there has been a delay as far as giving a Padma award to Mammootty is concerned.' The Chief Minister highlighted that the state cabinet had repeatedly recommended the actor's name over the years. The discussion points out that Mammootty received his Padma Shri in the late 1990s and waited over 20 years for the Padma Bhushan, unlike fellow superstar Mohanlal. Shibi Mole KG notes that critics have often suggested Mammootty’s political leanings as a Left supporter and his role as chairman of a CPI(M)-backed channel may have influenced the delay at the national level. The report underscores the cultural significance of the actor in Kerala and the perceived political friction between the state and the Centre regarding national recognitions.
A veteran figure of the Malayalam film industry has passed away at the age of 69 in Ernakulam. The actor, director, and writer had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness and was hospitalized when his condition worsened. In a prolific career spanning 48 years, he acted in over 200 films and was celebrated for highlighting the struggles of the common man with a unique touch of humor. He was also a recipient of multiple State Film Awards and a National Film Award. A reporter on the broadcast stated, 'It's an irreplaceable loss for the Malayalam film industry because in the last 48 years, he has acted in more than 200 films.' The stalwart is survived by his two sons, who are also popular actors and directors in the industry.
Rani Mukerji spoke at India Today Conclave 2025 about her 30-year film journey. She also disccussed her social media absence, wearing her daughter's initials at the National Awards, motherhood and more.
Treesha Thosar walked the stage in a saree — and took home the National Award for Best Child Artist for her role as Chimi in Naal 2.
Meet Treesha Thosar — the youngest star of this year’s National Film Awards.
After the big win at the 71st National Awards, actor Vikrant Massey admitted that it would now become challenging for him to represent the common man. Watch what he said about the national award being a validation and a responsibility.
The big talking point of this episode of News Today is US President Donald Trump's address to the United Nations General Assembly, where he reiterated his claim of ending the India-Pakistan war and questioned the overall purpose of the United Nations.
This episode of To The Point focusses on the political debate surrounding Navratri celebrations and Garba entry, particularly in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
This edition of Super 6 examines actor Vijay's entry into politics with his party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), and its potential impact on the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections.
This edition of 5 Live addresses Donald Trump's claim regarding a link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism. The programme presents a scientific rebuttal, referencing a comprehensive Swedish study and expert medical opinion that refutes the assertion.
71st National Film Awards ceremony was held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi today. Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey received Best Actor for their performances in 'Jawan' and 12th Fail, respectively. Meanwhile, Rani Mukerji received her first Best Actress at the National Film Awards for her performance in 'Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway'.
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, whose Dadasaheb Phalke Award was recently announced at the 71st National Film Awards, has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
Several movie stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Mohanlal, Vikrant Massey, and others, are set to receive National Film Awards.
Karan Johar was clicked at the Mumbai airport. He is headed to Delhi to attend the National Film Awards ceremony. He is there to collect the award for Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt-starrer Brahmastra Part One: Shiva.
In an exclusive chat with India Today’s Anita Britto, Vicky Kaushal, opened up about his next release, The Great Indian Family. He also spoke about Sardar Udham's big win at the recently held National Awards. The versatile actor also got candid about Katrina Kaif being his biggest critic, working with her in a film and much more.
Sushant Singh Rajput's film ‘Chhichhore’ has won the Best Hindi Feature film at the 67th National Film Awards. What did Sushant think of the movie? Was he a chhichhora? Watch to find out.
