Archive · 23 Sep 2026
National Film Awards Held at Statue of Unity in Gujarat
The National Film Awards celebrate important films and the people who make them.
This year’s ceremony took place in Ektanagar, Gujarat, near the Statue of Unity.
President Droupadi Murmu gave awards in more than 40 categories.
Anant Nag received the country’s highest film honour, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Article 370 won Best Feature Film for Yami Gautam and Aditya Dhar.
Murmu said more women should be included on award juries.
She also asked film stars not to promote products that can harm people’s health.
A Santali film called Angen won an award and highlighted cultural diversity.
The event’s organisers said future ceremonies could also be held at tourist destinations in different states.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards for 2024 across more than 40 categories.
Veteran actor Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest film honour.
Yami Gautam and Aditya Dhar won Best Feature Film for Article 370.
Murmu called for more women on film-award juries and urged stars not to endorse harmful products.
The ceremony was held for the first time outside Delhi, at Ektanagar near Gujarat’s Statue of Unity.
- Who
- President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards, with filmmakers and actors including Anant Nag, Yami Gautam, Aditya Dhar, Mammootty, Kartik Aaryan and Dhanush attending.
- What
- The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony honoured winners across more than 40 categories for feature films, non-feature films, language films, biopics and documentaries.
- When
- The ceremony was held on Tuesday; the articles do not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- The ceremony took place in a special dome at Ektanagar, Gujarat, against the backdrop of the Statue of Unity in Narmada district.
- Why
- The event recognised achievements in Indian cinema and showcased Gujarat as a cultural and tourist destination; organisers also said future ceremonies may be held outside Delhi.
- Edition
- 72nd National Film Awards
- Awards year
- 2024
- Venue
- Ektanagar, Gujarat, near the Statue of Unity
- Highest film honour
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award, presented to Anant Nag
- Best Feature Film
- Article 370, received by Yami Gautam and Aditya Dhar
- Best Debut Non-Feature Film Director
- Ravi Raj Murmu for the Santali-language film Angen
- First outside Delhi
- This was the first National Film Awards ceremony held outside the national capital