The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is being held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Ekta Nagar (formerly Kevadia) in Gujarat, near the iconic Statue of Unity. This marks a historic shift, as it is the first time in decades that the prestigious national honours for Indian cinema are being presented outside New Delhi.
President Droupadi Murmu is presenting the awards to 92 winners recognising outstanding achievements in Indian films certified in 2024. The event brings together filmmakers, actors, technicians, and members of the film industry from across the country.
A large temporary venue has been set up near the Statue of Unity, including a pandal for general seating and an air-conditioned dome for VIP guests. The red carpet is scheduled to begin around 2:30 pm, with the main ceremony starting at 3:00 pm IST.
The ceremony is being live-streamed free on the official DD National YouTube channel, making it accessible to viewers across India and abroad.Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and senior central and state officials are expected to attend alongside the film industry guests.
Best Feature Film: Article 370
Best Actress (Leading Role): Yami Gautam for Article 370
Best Actor (Leading Role) (shared): Mammootty for Bramayugam and Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion
Best Director: Rajkumar Periasamy for Amaran
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kalki 2898 AD
Best Debut Director: Randeep Hooda for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
Best Non-Feature Film: Bhangaar
Other awards span regional cinema (including Gujarati film Maran / Maaran as Best Gujarati Film), technical categories, non-feature films, and writing on cinema.
For decades, the ceremony was traditionally held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Hosting it in Gujarat near the Statue of Unity is seen as part of a broader effort to take national cultural events beyond the capital and celebrate India’s cinematic diversity across languages and regions under the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”
The event underscores the continued importance of the National Film Awards as India’s highest government recognition for excellence in cinema, covering feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema.