The 72nd National Film Awards were announced on 18 July 2026 in New Delhi. The awards cover films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification in 2024 and were decided by an 11‑member jury chaired by Jayaraj.
Key Winners
- Best Feature Film: Article 370 (Hindi) — Swarna Kamal; cash ₹3,00,000.
- Best Direction: Amaran (Tamil) — Swarna Kamal; cash ₹3,00,000.
- Best Actor (Leading Role): Mammootty (Bramayugam, Malayalam) and Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion, Hindi) — Rajat Kamal; cash ₹2,00,000 (shared).
- Best Actress (Leading Role): Yami Gautam (Article 370, Hindi) — Rajat Kamal; cash ₹2,00,000.
- Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kalki 2898 AD (Telugu) — Swarna Kamal; cash ₹3,00,000.
Award Structure & Prizes
- Medals: Swarna Kamal (Gold lotus) and Rajat Kamal (Silver lotus).
- Cash prizes: Principal categories usually ₹3,00,000 (Swarna) and ₹2,00,000 (Rajat); amounts can vary by category.
- Categories: Feature films, non‑feature films and writing on cinema.
Language & Eligibility
- Schedule VIII languages: Separate awards for each language listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
- Other languages: Separate awards for languages not in Schedule VIII (e.g., Garhwali, Tulu).
- Eligibility: Films must be certified by the CBFC in the relevant year (2024 for the 72nd Awards).
Administration
- Administered by: Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
- Selection: National juries appointed for feature, non‑feature and writing categories.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- CBFC role: Certification by the Central Board of Film Certification is a statutory eligibility criterion for National Film Awards.
- Annual numbering: Award edition number corresponds to the year cycle of awards, here the 72nd edition announced in 2026 covering films certified in 2024.