Tamil cinema has always been a home to some of the finest actors in the Indian film industry. From sheer talent to undeniable star power, these heroes have ruled the screen and hearts of millions.
But when it comes to true recognition, nothing speaks louder than the National Film Awards, India’s most prestigious honor for cinematic excellence.
The National Film Awards 2025 blog features a spotlight on the legendary Tamil actors who have won the National Film Award for Best Actor, revealing how many times they have earned it and the unforgettable films that brought them this distinction.
Leading Tamil Actors Who Won National Award for Acting
This award isn’t about stardom; it’s about powerful, unforgettable performances that define true acting brilliance. Below is the list of Tamil actors with National Awards for acting.
Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan is widely recognized for his versatile personality and is also known as one of the highest-paid actors in Tamil cinema. With a career spanning over six decades, he has left an indelible mark on various film industries, including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Bengali cinema.
Apart from acting, he is also a writer, actor, director, lyricist, singer, and choreographer. Kamal Haasan has won the National Film Award for Best Actor three times for his exceptional and powerful performances in Moondram Pirai, Nayagan, and Indian, building his legacy as a true cinematic icon.
Likes to Read: Kamal Haasan National Awards List
Dhanush
Dhanush is known as one of the most talented and bankable stars in contemporary Tamil cinema, and is also termed as one of the best actors in Tamil cinema. Widely known for his natural screen presence and versatility, he also left an indelible mark as a singer, lyricist, director, and producer.
Dhanush has won the National Film Award for Best Actor twice, for Aadukalam (2010), where he played a cockfighter with emotional depth, and Asuran (2019), where he delivered a powerful role of a rural man who is battling social injustice.
Dhanush’s versatility shone through his powerful roles, while his song “Why This Kolaveri Di” made him a global sensation as YouTube’s most viewed Indian song. In 2014, Dhanush earned five Filmfare Awards.
Check out: Dhanush National Awards List
Vikram
Vikram is renowned for his powerful acting method and striking physical transformations, often disappearing completely into his characters. His dedication to his acting earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor for Pithamagan (2003), where he portrayed a graveyard caretaker with almost no dialogue, yet delivered immense emotional depth.
The role won widespread acclaim, showcasing his rare ability to express complex emotions through sheer expression and body language.
Suriya
Suriya Sivakumar has steadily carved his place as one of Tamil cinema’s most admired and successful stars. Known for seamlessly balancing commercial hits with critically acclaimed roles, his breakthrough on the national stage came with Soorarai Pottru (2020).
Portraying a determined man from modest beginnings who dreams of launching his own airline, which earned Suriya the National Film Award for Best Actor. The performance was praised for its raw emotion and authenticity, reaffirming his versatility and commitment to the craft.
Other National Award-Winning Tamil Actors List
Here is a list of other National Award-winning Tamil actors
- M. G. Ramachandran – Best Actor for Rickshawkaran
- Sivaji Ganesan – Best Actor (details not specified)
- Lakshmi – Best Actress for Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal
- Shobana – Best Actress (details not specified)
- Prakash Raj – Best Supporting Actor for Iruvar and Best Actor for Kanchivaram
- Vikram – Best Actor for Pithamagan
- Saranya Ponvannan – Best Actress for Thenmerku Paruvakatru
- Dhanush – Best Actor for Aadukalam and Asuran
- Nithya Menen – Best Actress for Thiruchitrambalam
- Suriya – Best Actor for Soorarai Pottru
Leave a Reply