Archive · 8 Sep 2026
National Film Awards Move To Gujarat For First Time
The National Film Awards are important prizes for Indian movies and artists.
The 72nd ceremony is scheduled to happen on September 22 in Gujarat.
It will be held in Ekta Nagar, a place formerly called Kevadia.
This is being described as the first move away from New Delhi in the awards’ 72-year history.
President Droupadi Murmu is expected to give the awards.
Article 370 won Best Feature Film, and Yami Gautam won Best Actress.
Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan will share the Best Actor award.
Other prizes will go to Randeep Hooda, Kalki 2898 AD, Captain Miller and Srikanth.
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is scheduled for September 22 at Ekta Nagar, formerly known as Kevadia, in Gujarat.
The event is being described as the first National Film Awards ceremony held outside New Delhi in the awards’ 72-year history.
President Droupadi Murmu is expected to present the honours to the winners.
Article 370 won Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam won Best Actress; Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan share Best Actor.
Other winners include Randeep Hooda, Kalki 2898 AD, Captain Miller and Srikanth.
- Who
- President Droupadi Murmu is expected to present the awards; listed winners include Article 370, Yami Gautam, Mammootty, Kartik Aaryan and others.
- What
- The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is moving from its traditional New Delhi venue to Gujarat.
- When
- September 22; the winners were announced on July 18, 2026, according to one report.
- Where
- Ekta Nagar, formerly known as Kevadia, in Gujarat’s Narmada district.
- Why
- The articles describe the move as a departure from the awards’ long-standing association with New Delhi but do not give a specific reason.
Historic Move
Earlier Exception
Was this the first ceremony outside Delhi?
Historic Move
Several reports describe the 72nd edition as the first National Film Awards ceremony outside New Delhi in the awards’ 72-year history.
Earlier Exception
One report notes that the 17th National Film Awards were held in Chennai in 1971, indicating that the Gujarat ceremony may be the first in the current long-standing tradition rather than the first ever outside Delhi.
- Edition
- 72nd National Film Awards
- Ceremony date
- September 22
- Venue
- Ekta Nagar, formerly known as Kevadia, Gujarat
- Presenter
- President Droupadi Murmu
- Best Feature Film
- Article 370
- Best Actress
- Yami Gautam
- Shared Best Actor
- Mammootty for Bramayugam and Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion
- Other awards
- Randeep Hooda won Best Debut Director; Kalki 2898 AD won Best Popular Film; Captain Miller won Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values; Srikanth won Best Hindi Film.
Sources
National Film Awards Ceremony To Move To Gujarat For First Time
National Film Awards 2026: 72nd edition to shift from Delhi to Gujarat, venue revealed
National Film Awards Move Out Of Delhi, Ceremony To Take Place In Gujarat On September 22
