72nd National Film Awards: 2024 Winners List, Swarn Kamal, Key Highlights & Exam Facts | MPPSC & UPSC Notes

The 72nd edition of the prestigious National Film Awards honored cinematic excellence for feature and non-feature films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during the calendar year 2024. As India's premier film awards, this edition celebrated artistic, technical, and social brilliance across regional and national languages.

In the 72nd edition, the Hindi film 'Article 370', directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, bagged the Best Feature Film award. Kartik Aaryan ('Chandu Champion') and Mammootty ('Bramayugam') were jointly awarded Best Actor, while Yami Gautam won Best Actress for 'Article 370'. For other honors, explore our Awards & Honors Hub and India's 5 Highest Civilian Awards Notes.

• Premier National Honor: The National Film Awards constitute India's most prestigious and official film recognition system, highlighting multilingual diversity across Indian cinema.
• Core Objective: To promote, encourage, and honor artistic, technical, cultural, and social merit in Indian filmmaking.
• Parent Ministry: Organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
• Organized by NFDC (Since 2022): Since 2022, the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) manages and executes the awards event.
• Independent Jury: Winners are evaluated and selected by an independent jury of distinguished filmmakers, critics, and industry stalwarts appointed by the Union Government.
• Presentation Ceremony: Conferred by the President of India during a solemn national ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

The complete list of key category winners at the 72nd National Film Awards is detailed below:

• Best Feature Film: Article 370 (Hindi) — Director: Aditya Suhas Jambhale
• Best Actor (Jointly): Kartik Aaryan ('Chandu Champion' - Hindi) & Mammootty ('Bramayugam' - Malayalam)
• Best Actress: Yami Gautam — 'Article 370' (Hindi)

• Best Direction: Rajkumar Periasamy — 'Amaran' (Tamil)
• Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kalki 2898 AD (Telugu) — Director: Nag Ashwin
• Best Hindi Film: Srikanth — Director: Tushar Hiranandani
• Best Debut Director: Randeep Hooda — 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar'
• Best Supporting Actor: Sanjay Mishra — 'Bhakshak'
• Best Non-Feature Film: Bhangad — Director: Sumeer Tang
• Best Documentary Film: Ram-Nami — Director: Bhattwala Ganapati

• Inception (1954): The National Film Awards were instituted in the year 1954 by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• Original Nomenclature: Initially, these honors were designated as 'State Awards for Films'.
• Renamed in 1973: In 1973, the awards were formally renamed as the 'National Film Awards'.

• Three Primary Sections: The awards are broadly presented across three distinct umbrellas:

1. 1
   Feature Film Awards
2. 2
   Non-Feature Film Awards
3. 3
   Best Writing on Cinema

• Swarn Kamal (Golden Lotus): Conferred upon apex categories including Best Feature Film, Best Direction, Best Popular Film, and Best Debut Director. Winners receive the Golden Lotus medallion along with cash prize.
• Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus): Conferred upon individual performance and technical achievements including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor/Actress, Best Screenplay, Cinematography, and Music Direction. Includes Silver Lotus medallion and cash prize.
• Dadasaheb Phalke Award: India's highest award in cinema for lifetime dedication and contribution to Indian film history (instituted in 1969). Carries a Golden Lotus (Swarn Kamal), ₹10 Lakhs cash reward, and a ceremonial shawl.

• Award Edition: 72nd National Film Awards (Films certified in 2024)
• Year of Inception: 1954 (Initial Name: State Awards for Films)
• Renamed: In 1973 to 'National Film Awards'
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
• Implementing Agency: National Film Development Corporation - NFDC (since 2022)
• Best Feature Film: Article 370 (Hindi) — Director: Aditya Suhas Jambhale
• Best Actor: Kartik Aaryan ('Chandu Champion') & Mammootty ('Bramayugam') jointly
• Best Actress: Yami Gautam ('Article 370')
• Best Popular Film: Kalki 2898 AD (Director: Nag Ashwin)
• Official Source Reference: Press Information Bureau (PIB Id: 151027)