72nd National Film Awards 2026 winners announced as Article 370 wins Best Feature Film, Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty share Best Actor honour, and Yami Gautam receives Best Actress award. Check the complete winners list, key highlights, exam relevance, MCQs, and important facts for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, PCS, and IAS preparation.
Introduction
The 72nd National Film Awards 2026 have recognized the finest achievements in Indian cinema for films certified during 2024. Announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in New Delhi, the awards celebrated excellence across feature films, regional cinema, documentaries, technical categories, and performances. This year’s biggest winner was Article 370, which received the Best Feature Film award, while Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty jointly won the Best Actor award. Yami Gautam earned her first National Film Award as Best Actress for her performance in Article 370.
Article 370 Emerges as the Biggest Winner
The political drama Article 370 emerged as the standout film of the year by winning the Best Feature Film award. The film received praise for its gripping narrative, strong performances, and its portrayal of significant constitutional developments related to Jammu and Kashmir. The recognition highlights the growing acceptance of content-driven cinema at India’s highest film honours.
Best Actor Award Shared by Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty
For the first time in recent editions, the Best Actor honour was jointly awarded to Kartik Aaryan and veteran Malayalam superstar Mammootty. Their performances were widely appreciated for emotional depth, versatility, and strong screen presence, reflecting the diversity of Indian cinema across languages.
Yami Gautam Wins Best Actress
Actor Yami Gautam secured her maiden National Film Award by winning Best Actress for her role in Article 370. Critics praised her convincing portrayal and powerful performance, making this one of the defining moments of her career.
Recognition Across Indian Cinema
Apart from the top acting and feature film honours, the National Film Awards acknowledged excellence in regional cinema, technical achievements, documentaries, and writing on cinema. These awards continue to encourage filmmakers from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, strengthening India’s diverse film industry.
Importance for Competitive Exams
The National Film Awards are frequently asked about in UPSC, State PSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and other government recruitment examinations. Candidates should remember the major winners, the organizing ministry, eligibility period, and the significance of these awards in promoting Indian cinema.
Why this News is Important
Important Current Affairs Topic
National Film Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours in cinema. Questions related to award winners, important films, and personalities are common in competitive examinations.
Promotes Indian Cinema
The awards encourage excellence in filmmaking across multiple Indian languages and recognize outstanding artistic and technical achievements.
Cultural Importance
The awards showcase India’s cultural diversity and cinematic excellence while encouraging regional films and socially relevant storytelling.
Examination Relevance
Students should remember:
- 72nd National Film Awards
- Best Feature Film – Article 370
- Best Actor – Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty
- Best Actress – Yami Gautam
- Organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting through the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).
Historical Context
Origin of National Film Awards
The National Film Awards were established in 1954 to recognize excellence in Indian cinema. They are India’s most prestigious government film awards.
Evolution of the Awards
Initially administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals, the awards are now managed by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Growing Recognition
Over the decades, the awards have expanded to include feature films, non-feature films, books on cinema, technical excellence, and regional language films, promoting quality filmmaking throughout India.
Key Takeaways from 72nd National Film Awards 2026
FAQs: 72nd National Film Awards 2026
1. What are the National Film Awards?
The National Film Awards are India’s highest official film honours presented annually by the Government of India to recognize excellence in feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema.
2. Which edition of the National Film Awards was announced in 2026?
The 72nd National Film Awards were announced in 2026 for films certified during the calendar year 2024.
3. Which film won the Best Feature Film award at the 72nd National Film Awards?
Article 370 won the Best Feature Film award at the 72nd National Film Awards 2026.
4. Who won the Best Actor award at the 72nd National Film Awards 2026?
Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty jointly won the Best Actor award.
5. Who received the Best Actress award?
Yami Gautam won the Best Actress award for her performance in Article 370.
6. Which ministry administers the National Film Awards?
The awards are administered by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting through the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).
7. When were the National Film Awards instituted?
The National Film Awards were instituted in 1954.
8. Which organization manages the National Film Awards?
The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) manages the awards under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
9. Why are the National Film Awards important for competitive exams?
Questions related to award winners, important films, ministries, institutions, and the history of the National Film Awards are frequently asked in UPSC, State PSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and other government recruitment examinations.
10. Which year’s films were considered for the 72nd National Film Awards?
Films that were certified during the calendar year 2024 were eligible for the 72nd National Film Awards.
Some Important Current Affairs Links
