The 72nd National Film Awards will be presented on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat. The ceremony will recognise outstanding achievements in Indian cinema for the year 2024, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the awards to the winners.
This year’s ceremony marks a significant change in the history of the National Film Awards, as it is being held outside Delhi for the first time. The event will take place near the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.
72nd National Film Awards 2026: When and Where to Watch
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 3 pm on September 22 at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat. The event will be available for online viewing through Doordarshan’s YouTube channel, while the ceremony will also be telecast on the Doordarshan TV channel.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | 72nd National Film Awards |
| Year | 2026 |
| Date | September 22, 2026 |
| Time | 3 PM |
| Venue | Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat |
| Online Streaming | Doordarshan YouTube Channel |
| TV Telecast | Doordarshan |
The awards honour Indian cinema for the year 2024. The winners were announced on July 18, 2026, while the presentation ceremony is being held on September 22.
What Is Different About the National Film Awards 2026?
The 72nd National Film Awards are being hosted at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, marking the first time the ceremony has been held in the state. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has described the move as part of an initiative to take the National Film Awards beyond the national capital and hold future editions across different states and cities.
The government has also linked the initiative with the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”, highlighting India’s linguistic, cultural and regional diversity through cinema.
72nd National Film Awards 2026: Key Winners
Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 for his contribution to Indian cinema. The honour will be presented during the September 22 ceremony.
Article 370 has been named Best Feature Film, while Randeep Hooda has won Best Debut Film of a Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. Kalki 2898 AD has received the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, while 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu has won Best Children’s Film. Amaran has been recognised with the Best Direction award for director Rajkumar Periasamy.
In the acting categories, Mammootty for Bramayugam and Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion have jointly won Best Actor in a Leading Role. Yami Gautam has received Best Actress in a Leading Role for Article 370, while Sanjay Mishra has won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Bhakshak.
Sachana Namidass for Maharaja and Ropashree Varkady for Mithya have jointly received Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Abhay Jodhpurkar has won Best Male Playback Singer, while Vaikom Vijayalakshmi has been named Best Female Playback Singer.
National Film Awards 2026: A New Chapter in Gujarat
With the ceremony moving to Ekta Nagar, the 72nd National Film Awards represent a new chapter in the presentation of India’s national cinema honours. The event brings together actors, filmmakers, technicians and other members of the Indian film industry to recognise achievements from 2024.