New Delhi | July 18: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday announced the winners of the 72nd National Film Awards, honouring the finest achievements in Indian cinema for films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during the 2024 calendar year. The awards were announced at a press conference held at the National Media Centre in New Delhi.
The biggest acting honours of the year went to Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan, who shared the Best Actor award, while Yami Gautam won the Best Actress award for her acclaimed performance in Article 370.
Mammootty Wins Fourth National Award
Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty received the Best Actor award for his performance in Bramayugam, adding another National Award to his illustrious career. His powerful portrayal in the critically acclaimed black-and-white psychological horror film was widely praised by critics and audiences alike.
Kartik Aaryan Earns Career’s Biggest Honour
Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor award for his performance in Chandu Champion. The film, based on the inspiring journey of a determined athlete, marked a significant milestone in the actor’s career and earned widespread appreciation for his transformation and performance.
Yami Gautam Named Best Actress
Yami Gautam won the Best Actress award for her role in Article 370, portraying an intelligence officer in the political thriller. The film also emerged as one of the biggest winners at this year’s National Film Awards, securing multiple honours across categories.
Awards Recognise India’s Finest Cinema
The National Film Awards are India’s highest official film honours, recognising excellence in feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema. This year’s awards covered films certified by the CBFC between January 1 and December 31, 2024.
An 11-member jury, chaired by acclaimed filmmaker Jayaraj, evaluated entries from across the country before finalising the winners. Jayaraj had previously served on the National Film Awards jury in 2012.
Other Major Highlights
Among regional cinema winners, Malayalam film Feminichi Fathima was honoured as the Best Malayalam Film, reflecting another strong year for Malayalam cinema on the national stage. Several awards were also presented across technical, music, screenplay, and non-feature film categories.
Significance of the Awards
The National Film Awards continue to be regarded as the country’s most prestigious recognition for cinematic excellence. This year’s honours celebrated performances and films that combined artistic merit, storytelling excellence, and technical innovation across India’s diverse film industries.
