National Film Awards 2026: Yami, Mammootty among winners; check full list here
Source Entity
TOI ENTERTAINMENT DESK
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is being held in New Delhi on July 18, 2026. The event honors films certified by the CBFC between January 1 and December 31, 2024, with a jury led by filmmaker Jayaraj.
The 72nd National Film Awards: A Celebration of Indian Cinema
On July 18, 2026, the national capital, New Delhi, becomes the epicenter of Indian cinema as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announces the recipients of the 72nd National Film Awards. This prestigious event serves as a hallmark of excellence, recognizing the creative and technical brilliance of filmmakers, actors, and technicians who contributed to the industry during the 2024 calendar year.
Eligibility and Jury Oversight
To ensure a fair and standardized evaluation process, the awards are strictly limited to films that received their certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. The integrity of the selection process is overseen by an 11-member jury, chaired by the acclaimed filmmaker Jayaraj. This jury is tasked with sifting through a competitive pool of entries to select the most deserving works across feature, non-feature, and writing on cinema categories.
A Year of Global and Domestic Recognition
The 2024 cinema cycle was marked by a unique blend of critical success and commercial vigor. The Indian film industry saw a surge in international prestige, with projects like All We Imagine As Light and Laapataa Ladies garnering significant global accolades. These films, alongside massive commercial successes like Pushpa 2, have set a high bar for the 72nd National Film Awards, reflecting a diverse landscape of storytelling that spans regional and mainstream platforms.
Notable Contenders and Industry Trends
As the live announcements proceed, anticipation has centered on key performers who defined the year. Mammootty’s performance in Rahul Sadasivan’s Bramayugam has been a focal point of critical discussion, highlighting the actor's sustained excellence. Similarly, the return of Allu Arjun in the Pushpa franchise has underscored the massive commercial impact of mass-market cinema, a category that continues to be a major pillar in the National Film Awards' recognition of industry growth.
Expanding Categories and Legacy
The scope of the 72nd edition extends beyond traditional acting and directing awards. By including specific recognition for 'Writing on Cinema' and non-feature films—such as Feminichi Fathima, Blue, and NDA—the jury acknowledges the multifaceted nature of film culture. This comprehensive approach ensures that not only the blockbusters but also the critical discourse and documentary storytelling that shape the cinematic landscape are honored.
Conclusion
The 72nd National Film Awards represent more than just a ceremony; they are a reflection of the creative evolution of Indian cinema in 2024. As the winners are unveiled, the industry looks back at a year that balanced artistic risk-taking with box-office dominance, setting a precedent for future cinematic endeavors in India.
Multiple Citing Sources