72nd National Film Awards: Dadasaheb Phalke honour for Anant Nag; Mammootty, Kartik Aaryan, Yami Gautam receive Best Actor awards

In a dazzling ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu celebrated the efforts of some of the popular artistes of Indian cinema at the 72nd National Film Awards, with veterans Anant Nag and Mammootty receiving the top honours

Updated - September 22, 2026 08:08 pm IST

President Droupadi Murmu presents the Dadasaheb Phalke Award to veteran actor Anant Nag during the 72nd National Film Awards at Kevadia in Narmada district, Gujarat. | Photo Credit: @PresidentOfIndia/YouTube

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday (September 22, 2026) conferred the 72nd National Film Awards for 2024 on top talents of Indian cinema, with veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag receiving the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke honour. Yami Gautam, Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan were presented with the Best Actor awards.

Anant Nag won the Phalke Award “for his contribution to Indian cinema and an illustrious cinematic journey that has inspired generations.” Moments after winning the honour last week, Anant Nag told reporters, “It’s a great feeling to receive this honour. In a way, I feel the Padma Bhushan was a rehearsal for this big award, with all the excitement and anticipation that came with it. I dedicate this award to Kannadigas and Karnataka.”

Mammootty’s win for Bramayugam was a record-equalling fourth, placing him alongside veteran Amitabh Bachchan. In the supernatural drama directed by Rahul Sadasivan, Mammootty played the role of Kodumon Potty, a malicious and powerful spirit.

President Droupadi Murmu honours Mammootty with the Best Actor in a Leading Role Award for his performance in the Malayalam film 'Bramayugam' during the 72nd National Film Awards at Kevadia in Narmada district, Gujarat. | Photo Credit: @PresidentOfIndia/YouTube

Hindi feature film Article 370', directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, was adjudged the Best Feature Film award. Yami Gautam grabbed the Best Actor (Female) Award for her performance in the movie. Kartik Aaryan received the Best Actor (Male) Award for his portrayal of Paralympian gold medallist Murlikant Petkar in the film Chandu Champion. Tamil actor Dhanush was honoured with a Special Mention for his performance in the period drama Captain Miller.

President Droupadi Murmu honours Yami Gautam with the Best Actor (Female) in a Leading Role for her performance as an intelligence officer in the film ‘Article 370’ during the 72nd National Film Awards at Kevadia in Narmada district, Gujarat. | Photo Credit: @PresidentOfIndia/YouTube

The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards received their awards from the President on Tuesday at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat's Narmada district, with the Statue of Unity providing a magnificent backdrop.

Actor-turned-director Randeep Hooda took home the Best Debut Film of a Director award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, while Rajkumar Periasamy received the Best Direction award for the Tamil movie Amaran.

Bhangaar, directed and produced by Sumira Roy, got the Best Non-Feature Film award, which was accepted by Roy. Sanjeev Shrivastava received the Best Film Critic award in Hindi from the President.

Sachana Namidass received the Best Actress in a Supporting Role award for the Tamil movie Maharaja, while Ropashree Varkady received the second Best Actress in a Supporting Role award for the Kannada movie Mithya.

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Telugu film Pushpa: The Rule was given the Best Costume Design award, while Sukumar received the Best Screenplay award for the film. R Kalaivannan bagged the Best Editing award for the Tamil movie Amaran.

Bollywood actor Sanjay Mishra was presented with the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award for Bhakshak. Reflecting on his win, the actor had said, “For over three decades, I have tried to be honest to every character that came my way. This honour belongs as much to the directors, producers, writers, technicians and fellow actors I have had the privilege of working with as it does to the audience, who have embraced my work with so much love over the years. I remain deeply grateful.”

Shashwat Sachdev of Dhurandhar fame received the Best Music Direction award for songs in Article 370, while G V Prakash Kumar was honoured for the background music of Amaran. “This is the first time I’m coming to the city. I’m very excited to see the Statue of Unity, and this is my third National Film Award. So, I’m very happy to receive it,” GV Prakash said.

The ceremony in Ekta Nagar marks a change in the way the National Film Awards are being presented. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has decided to take the celebrations to different parts of the country in the coming years. The move aims to bring the celebration of Indian cinema closer to different regions and showcase the country’s cultural and cinematic diversity.