72nd National Film Awards 2026: National Honor for Outstanding Achievements in Indian Cinema
The 72nd National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi, honoring films certified by the CBFC between January 1 and December 31, 2024. This year, 'Article 370' won the award for Best Feature Film; Yami Gautam was named Best Actress, while Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty jointly won the award for Best Actor. Rajkumar Periasamy was selected as Best Director for the film 'Amaran'. Presented by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, these awards rank among the country's highest film honors, encouraging excellence, cultural diversity, and quality filmmaking in Indian cinema.
The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi. These awards honored films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. The selection of awardees was made by a jury chaired by Malayalam filmmaker Jayaraj.
Key Awards and Notable Winners
This year, 'Article 370' received the award for Best Feature Film. Yami Gautam was named Best Actress for the same film, while Kartik Aaryan ('Chandu Champion') and Mammootty ('Bramayugam') were jointly selected as Best Actor. Rajkumar Periasamy was awarded Best Director for the film 'Amaran'.
Significance of the National Film Awards
The National Film Awards are among the highest film honors conferred by the Government of India to recognize outstanding contributions to Indian cinema. Their objective is to encourage Indian languages, cultural diversity, social values, technical excellence, and quality filmmaking.
Institutional and Administrative Aspects
The National Film Awards are administered by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, with winners selected by an independent jury. Eligible films must be certified by the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification). This process ensures transparency and quality within the Indian film industry.
Key Facts for UPSC
Questions regarding the National Film Awards may be asked in the Preliminary Examination under the categories of Art and Culture, institutions, and awards. In the Main Examination, these can be linked to topics such as Indian cinema, cultural diplomacy, the creative economy, soft power, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
