72nd National Film Awards: Article 370 wins Best Film, Anant Nag gets Phalke Award
President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on 22 September 2026, the first ceremony held outside Delhi. Article 370 won Best Feature Film and Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia) in Gujarat's Narmada district on 22 September 2026. It was the first time India's top film honours were presented outside New Delhi. The awards cover films certified in calendar year 2024.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Anant Nag
Veteran actor Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, India's highest honour in cinema. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the award on 16 September. Best known for his work in Kannada cinema, Nag has acted in more than 300 films over five decades, and he received a standing ovation at the ceremony. The award carries a Swarna Kamal (golden lotus) medallion, a shawl and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.
Key winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Feature Film | Article 370 (Hindi) |
| Best Director | Rajkumar Periasamy, Amaran (Tamil) |
| Best Actor (shared) | Kartik Aaryan, Chandu Champion; Mammootty, Bramayugam |
| Best Actress | Yami Gautam, Article 370 |
| Best Supporting Actor | Sanjay Mishra, Bhakshak |
| Best Hindi Film | Srikanth |
| Best Popular Film (Wholesome Entertainment) | Kalki 2898 AD |
Talking points
- Article 370 won both Best Feature Film and Best Actress, and its composer Shashwat Sachdev won Best Music Direction (songs).
- The shared Best Actor award brought together a Hindi sports biopic and a Malayalam folk-horror film.
- Moving the ceremony to Gujarat, close to the Statue of Unity, broke a long tradition of holding it in the capital.
The National Film Awards are judged by juries set up by the government and are among the most important recognitions for Indian films in every language.
Frequently asked questions
Which film won Best Feature Film at the 72nd National Film Awards?
Article 370.
Who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024?
Veteran actor Anant Nag.
Where was the ceremony held?
At Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat, on 22 September 2026, the first time outside Delhi.
Sources
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