National Film Awards India
Winners, Categories and History
The National Film Awards are India’s most prestigious government film honors presented annually by the Directorate of Film Festivals to recognize excellence in Indian cinema across languages, regions, and artistic disciplines.
01.
Honoring Indian Cinema’s Best
The National Film Awards celebrate exceptional achievements in Indian filmmaking, spotlighting talent, creativity, and dedication.
02.
Unity in Diversity
These awards embrace India’s cultural richness, bringing together diverse films and voices that reflect the nation’s vibrant identity.
03.
Inspiring Cinematic Excellence
Encouraging innovation, the National Film Awards recognize outstanding contributions across categories, fostering growth and creativity in Indian cinema.
Latest National Film Awards Winners
Browse the most recent editions of India’s National Film Awards and their winners.
2025
72nd National Film Awards
Awards presented for films released in 2024, honoring the best of Indian cinema during a challenging year.
2024
71st National Film Awards
Celebrating the best of Indian cinema from 2023 with winners across feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema.
2023
70th National Film Awards
Honoring outstanding achievements in Indian cinema from 2022 across all languages and categories.
2022
69th National Film Awards
Recognizing excellence in Indian filmmaking from 2021 with awards in feature and non-feature categories.
National Film Awards Categories
The National Film Awards recognize excellence across a wide range of cinematic disciplines in Indian cinema.
Best Feature Film
Outstanding Indian feature film of the year
Best Actor
Best performance by an actor in Indian cinema
Best Actress
Best performance by an actress in Indian cinema
Best Director
Outstanding directorial achievement in Indian film
Best Music Direction
Excellence in film music composition and direction
Best Cinematography
Outstanding visual storytelling in Indian cinema
Best Editing
Excellence in film editing craft
Best Screenplay
Outstanding written narrative for Indian film
Regional Cinema Awards
Browse the most recent editions of India’s National Film Awards and their winners.
Best Hindi Film
Outstanding Hindi language feature film
Best Tamil Film
Outstanding Tamil language feature film
Best Telugu Film
Outstanding Telugu language feature film
Best Marathi Film
Outstanding Marathi language feature film
Best Kannada Film
Outstanding Kannada language feature film
Best Malayalam Film
Outstanding Malayalam language feature film
Best Bengali Film
Outstanding Bengali language feature film
History of National Film Awards
The National Film Awards were established in 1954 by the Government of India to honor excellence in Indian cinema. The first ceremony recognized films produced in 1953 and was organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals, the awards have evolved over seven decades to encompass feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema. Categories have expanded to recognize regional language films, children’s cinema, and emerging filmmakers.
Today, the National Film Awards remain India’s most prestigious cinematic honors, presented annually by the President of India. They continue to celebrate the diversity and artistic excellence of Indian cinema across all languages, genres, and disciplines.
National Film Awards Ceremony
The National Film Awards ceremony is conducted annually by the Government of India, where the President of India presents awards to winners across feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema categories.
Award Presentation Ceremony
Overview of how the President of India presents National Film Awards to winners across feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema.
Venue and Event Format
Details about where the National Film Awards ceremony takes place and how winners are honored at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
Announcement and Timeline
Timeline from jury selection to winner announcement and the National Film Awards ceremony date.
National Film Awards Jury
The jury panels responsible for selecting National Film Award winners each year.
Feature Film Jury
A panel of distinguished filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals who evaluate feature films across all Indian languages.
Non-Feature Film Jury
Experts who assess documentaries, short films, and animation entries submitted for National Film Awards consideration.
Writing on Cinema Jury
A jury of film scholars and critics who evaluate books and publications on Indian cinema and film criticism.
National Film Awards Organizations
The government bodies and organizations behind India’s National Film Awards.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
The Government of India ministry responsible for overseeing the National Film Awards and Indian cinema policy.
Directorate of Film Festivals
The organization under the Ministry of I&B that organizes the National Film Awards ceremony and manages the selection process.
National Film Development Corporation
A government enterprise that promotes and finances quality Indian cinema and supports the film industry’s growth.
Recent News
How it works
Get. Involved.
Are you a filmmaker, actor, or someone passionate about cinema? Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the National Film Awards. Here’s how you can get involved:
01
Submit Your Work
Showcase your masterpiece and compete for the coveted National Film Award. Submissions are open now!
02
Attend the Event
Join us at the grand awards ceremony and witness cinematic history in the making.
03
Sponsorship
Partner with us to promote your brand to a diverse and engaged audience.
Unique features
Key Features
Discover the extraordinary world of the National Film Awards, where cinematic brilliance takes center stage. Our commitment to honoring the best in the industry is exemplified through these exceptional key features:
01.
Diverse Categories
We cover a wide range of categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and more.
02.
Expert Panel
Our judging panel comprises industry experts, critics, and veterans, ensuring a fair and unbiased selection process.
03.
Glamorous Event
The National Film Awards ceremony is a glamorous extravaganza attended by the who’s who of the film world.
04.
Global Reach
Our awards transcend borders, recognizing talent from all corners of the globe and fostering international collaborations.
Celebrating Cinematic Excellence
At the National Film Awards, we are dedicated to celebrating cinematic excellence in all its forms. We believe in the power of storytelling and its ability to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought.
Our mission is to honor the individuals who pour their hearts and souls into creating unforgettable cinematic experiences.
From the visionary directors who bring stories to life on the big screen to the talented actors who breathe life into characters, every aspect of filmmaking deserves recognition.
Our prestigious awards recognize not only the final product but also the dedication, hard work, and creativity that go into every frame.
Feedback
Testimonials.
Join us in celebrating the remarkable impact of the National Film Awards on filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts alike!
5/5
Being acknowledged by the National Film Awards boosted my confidence and opened doors to new opportunities. A true milestone for any filmmaker.
Maya Kapoor, Rising Star Actress
5/5
Attending the National Film Awards ceremony was like stepping into a dream. Surrounded by legends and visionaries, it was an unforgettable celebration of cinematic art.
Rahul Patel, Film Enthusiast
5/5
Winning a National Film Award was a pivotal moment in my career. It’s an honor that continues to inspire me to push the boundaries of storytelling.
Ava Rodriguez, Award-Winning Director
5/5
The National Film Awards not only recognize talent but also provide a platform for networking and collaboration. An invaluable experience for anyone in the film industry.
Ayesha Foster, Cinematographer
Art. Entertainment. Awards
Ready to be a part of cinematic history?
NOTE: All people sending entries for the NATIONAL FILM AWARDS, it is compulsory to register the film online, and submit the online application form ONLY. 2 copies of the final submitted online application form are to be printed and sent to DFF by post along with the necessary documents and material.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
01.
What is the purpose of the National Film Awards of India?
The National Film Awards of India serve the purpose of recognizing and honoring outstanding achievements in the field of Indian cinema, acknowledging the talent, creativity, and contributions of filmmakers across various categories.
02.
Who organizes the National Film Awards and how often are they held?
The National Film Awards are organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals, an organization under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. These awards are held annually to celebrate and showcase the best of Indian cinema.
03.
How are films and individuals nominated for the National Film Awards?
Films and individuals are nominated for the National Film Awards through a meticulous process that involves submissions by filmmakers, recommendations from regional and central juries, and thorough evaluation by expert panels. The final awardees are selected based on their excellence and contribution to various aspects of filmmaking.
04.
What makes the National Film Awards unique compared to other film awards in India?
The National Film Awards are distinct for their emphasis on cinematic excellence across diverse linguistic and regional backgrounds. Unlike commercial awards, these accolades prioritize artistic merit and innovation, promoting a broader representation of India’s cinematic heritage and encouraging filmmakers to explore new horizons in storytelling.