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{{short description|State-instituted annual film awards in India}}
{{short description|State-instituted annual film awards in India}}
{{About|the National Film Awards in India|other uses|National Film Awards (disambiguation)|and|List of film awards}}
{{About|the National Film Awards in India|other uses|National Film Awards (disambiguation)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}  
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}  
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox award
{{Infobox award
| current_awards = 67th National Film Awards
| current_awards = 71st National Film Awards
| image          = Vigyan Bhawan Delhi P 20170403 093253.jpg
| caption =  
| caption       = [[Vigyan Bhavan]], where the National Film Awards are held annually
| awarded_for = Excellence in cinematic achievements for [[Cinema of India|Indian cinema]]
| awarded_for   = Excellence in cinematic achievements for [[Cinema of India|Indian cinema]]
| presenter = [[National Film Development Corporation of India|National Film Development Corporation]]
| presenter     = [[Directorate of Film Festivals]]
| sponsor =  
| sponsor       =
| host =  
| host           = [[New Delhi]]
| location = [[Vigyan Bhawan]], New Delhi
| date          = <!-- {{Start date|2013|03|18}} -->
| location       = [[Vigyan Bhavan]], New Delhi
| country        = India
| year          = {{Start date and age|df=y|1954|10|10}}
| year2          = {{Start date and age|df=y|2021|10|25}}
| website        = [http://dff.nic.in/ dff.nic.in]
}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name = Most recent National Film Award winners
| election_date = [[67th National Film Awards|2019]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/national-film-awards-2019-sushant-singh-rajputs-chhichhore-wins-best-hindi-film-2396435|access-date=22 March 2021|title=2019 National Awards: Sushant Singh Rajput's Chhichhore Wins Best Hindi Film - Full List Of Winners|publisher=[[NDTV]]}}</ref>
| country = India
| country = India
| type = primary
| year = {{Start date and age|df=y|1954|10|10}}
| ongoing = no
| year2 =  
| previous_election = 66th National Film Awards
| website = {{URL|https://nfaindia.org/}}
| previous_year = 2018
| next_election = 68th National Film Awards
| next_year = 2020
| 1blank = Award
| 2blank = Winner
| 3blank = Work
 
<!-- NOTE: Non-free images of film posters or living people must comply with [[Wikipedia:Non-free content criteria]], rules #8 and #10c-->| image1 = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Manoj Bajpayee at a promotional for Aiyaary.jpg
| photo1b = Dhanush 62nd Britannia Filmfare South Awards (cropped).jpg
| spacing = 0
| position = centre
| size    = 160
| border  = 0
| color  = #FFFFFF
| foot_montage =
}}
}}
| image1_size = 160x160px
| 1data1 = [[National Film Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
| 2data1 = [[Manoj Bajpayee]] (left) and [[Dhanush]] (right)
| 3data1 = ''[[Bhonsle (film)|Bhonsle]]'' and ''[[Asuran (2019 film)|Asuran]]''
| image2 = Kangana Ranaut 2013.jpg
| image2_size = 110x110px
| 1data2 = [[National Film Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]]
| 2data2 = [[Kangana Ranaut]]
| 3data2 = ''[[Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi|Manikarnika]]'', ''[[Panga (film)|Panga]]''
| image3 = Vijay-sethupathi-c-prem-kumar-devadarshini-at-the-96-success-meet-photos-0018.jpg
| image3_size = 160x160px
| 1data3 = [[National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]
| 2data3 = [[Vijay Sethupathi]]
| 3data3 = ''[[Super Deluxe (film)|Super Deluxe]]''
| image4 = Pallavi Joshi.png
| image4_size = 130x90px
| 1data4 = [[National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]]
| 2data4 = [[Pallavi Joshi]]
| 3data4 = ''[[The Tashkent Files]]''
| image5 = B Praak.jpg
| image5_size = 190x190px
| 1data5 = [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer|Best Male Playback Singer]]
| 2data5 = [[B Praak]]
| 3data5 = "[[Teri Mitti]]"
| image6 =
| image6_size = 160x160px
| 1data6 = [[National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer|Best Female Playback Singer]]
| 2data6 = [[Savani Ravindra]]
| 3data6 = "Raan Petala"
| image7 =
| image7_size = 160x160px
| 1data7 = [[National Film Award for Best Director|Best Director]]
| 2data7 = [[Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan]]
| 3data7 = ''Bahattar Hoorain''
| image8 = Girishgangadharan.jpg
| image8_size = 160x160px
| 1data8 = [[National Film Award for Best Cinematography|Best Cinematographer]]
| 2data8 = [[Girish Gangadharan]]
| 3data8 = ''[[Jallikattu (2019 film)|Jallikattu]]''
| image9 = Rajinikanth during audio release of robot.jpg
| image9_size = 160x160px
| 1data9 = [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award|Dadasaheb Phalke]]
| 2data9 = [[Rajinikanth]]
| 3data9 = {{dash}}


<!-- NOTE: Non-free images of film posters must comply with [[Wikipedia:Non-free content criteria]], rules #8 and #10c-->| title = [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film|Best Feature Film]]
The '''National Film Awards''' are awards for artistic and technical merit given for excellence within the Indian film industry. Established in 1954, it has been administered, along with the [[International Film Festival of India]] and the Indian Panorama, by the [[Indian government]]'s [[Directorate of Film Festivals]] from 1973 until 2020, and by the [[National Film Development Corporation of India|NFDC]] since 2021.<ref name="Explained 2022">{{Cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-the-national-film-awards-their-history-significance-and-recent-trends-8046256/ |title=Explained: The National Film Awards, their history, significance, and recent trends |date=22 July 2022}}</ref><ref>[https://dff.nic.in Official site Directorate of Film Festivals]</ref><ref>[http://mib.nic.in/informationb/media/filmfestival.htm Film Festival] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617202154/http://www.mib.nic.in/informationb/media/filmfestival.htm |date=17 June 2008 }}</ref>
| before_election = ''[[Hellaro]]''
| after_election = ''[[Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea]]''
}}


{| class="infobox" style="width: 25em; text-align: center; font-size: 70%; vertical-align: middle;"
Every year, a national panel appointed by the government selects the winning entry, and the award ceremony is held in [[New Delhi]], where the [[President of India]] presents the awards. This is followed by the inauguration of the National Film Festival, where award-winning films are screened for the public. Declared for films produced in the previous year across the country, they hold the distinction of awarding merit to the best of [[Indian cinema]] overall, as well as presenting awards for the best films in each region and language of the country.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/69th-national-film-awards-heres-the-complete-winner-list/articleshow/104498945.cms |title=69th National Film Awards: Here’s the complete winner list |date=17 October 2023 |via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}</ref>
|+ <span style="font-size: 9pt">'''List of movies with most awards'''</span>
|-
| colspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |
|- style="background:#d9e8ff; text-align:center;"
!style="vertical-align: middle;"| Movie and Year
| style="background:#cec; font-size:8pt; width:60px;"| No. of Awards won
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
[[Lagaan]] ([[49th National Film Awards|2001]])
|{{won|8}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
[[Bajirao Mastani]] ([[63rd National Film Awards|2015]])
|{{won|7}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
[[Godmother (film)|Godmother]] ([[46th National Film Awards|1998]])
|{{won|6}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
[[Kannathil Muthamittal]] ([[50th National Film Awards|2002]])
|{{won|6}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
[[Aadukalam]] ([[58th National Film Awards|2010]])
|{{won|6}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
[[Sonar Kella]] ([[22nd National Film Awards|1974]])
|{{won|5}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
[[Daasi (1988 film)|Daasi]] ([[36th National Film Awards|1988]])
|{{won|5}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
[[Lekin...]] ([[38th National Film Awards|1990]])
|{{won|5}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
[[Thevar Magan]] ([[40th National Film Awards|1992]])
|{{won|5}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
[[Jogwa]] ([[56th National Film Awards|2008]])
|{{won|5}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
[[Kutty Srank]] ([[57th National Film Awards|2009]])
|{{won|5}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
[[Haider (film)|Haider]] ([[62nd National Film Awards|2014]])
|{{won|5}}
|- style="background:#eef;"
| style="text-align:center;"|
[[Nathicharami]] ([[66th National Film Awards|2018]])
|{{won|5}}
|-
|}
 
The '''National Film Awards''' is the most prominent film award ceremony in [[India]]. Established in 1954, it has been administered, along with the [[International Film Festival of India]] and the Indian Panorama, by the [[Indian government]]'s [[Directorate of Film Festivals]] since 1973.<ref>[https://dff.nic.in Official site Directorate of Film Festivals]</ref><ref>[http://mib.nic.in/informationb/media/filmfestival.htm Film Festival] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617202154/http://www.mib.nic.in/informationb/media/filmfestival.htm |date=17 June 2008 }}</ref>
 
Every year, a national panel appointed by the government selects the winning entry, and the award ceremony is held in [[New Delhi]], where the [[President of India]] presents the awards. This is followed by the inauguration of the National Film Festival, where the award-winning films are screened for the public. Declared for films produced in the previous year across the country, they hold the distinction of awarding merit to the best of [[Indian cinema]] overall, as well as presenting awards for the best films in each region and language of the country.


== History ==
== History ==
{{see also|1st National Film Awards}}
The Awards were first presented in 1954. The [[Government of India]] conceived the ceremony to honor films made across India, on a national scale, to encourage the furthering of Indian art and culture. From 1973 until 2020, the Indian Directorate of Film Festivals administers the ceremony along with other major film events in India annually.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/70th-national-film-awards-criticism-ignoring-contributions-sound-recording-mixing-101708838112042.html |title=70th National Film Awards: Heavy criticism from industry for ignoring contributions to sound recording and mixing |date=25 February 2024 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> Since then, [[National Film Development Corporation of India]] administers the ceremony.
The Awards were first presented in 1954. The [[Government of India]] conceived the ceremony to honor films made across India, on a national scale, to encourage the furthering of Indian art and culture. Since 1973, the Indian Directorate of Film Festivals administers the ceremony along with other major film events in India annually.


== Juries and rules ==
== Juries and rules ==
The National Film Awards are presented in two main categories: [[Feature film|Feature Films]] and [[Documentary film|Non-Feature Films]]. The juries are appointed by the [[Directorate of Film Festivals]] in [[India]]. Neither the Government nor the Directorate has influence over which films are selected for consideration and which films ultimately win awards. There are strict criteria as to whether a film is eligible for consideration by the jury panels. Over 100 films made across the country are entered in each category (Feature and Non-Feature) for the awards and deemed eligible each year.
The National Film Awards are presented in two main categories: [[Feature film|Feature Films]] and [[Documentary film|Non-Feature Films]].<ref name="Explained 2022"/> The juries are appointed by the [[National Film Development Corporation of India|NFDC]]. Neither the Government nor the organization has influence over which films are selected for consideration and which films ultimately win awards. There are strict criteria as to whether a film is eligible for consideration by the jury panels. Over 100 films made across the country are entered in each category (Feature and Non-Feature) for the awards and are deemed eligible each year.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-awards/national-awards-winners/2022/108 |title=National Awards 2022 Winners |via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}</ref>


A list of rules is presented every year in a document of regulations known as the National Film Award Regulations. The criteria for eligibility contain many clauses. Among them, there is a direct requirement for the makers of a film, and particularly the director, to be Indian nationals.<ref name="eligibility">55th National Film Awards Regulations. ''Eligibility''. Pages 2–3.</ref> Films entering the competition should be produced in India, and in the case of co-production involving a foreign entity, there are as many as six conditions that should be fulfilled in order for the film to qualify.<ref name="eligibility"/> According to the criteria, in order to be eligible for consideration by the jury, a film should be certified by the [[Central Board of Film Certification]] between 1 January and 31 December. Whether a film is considered a feature film or a non-feature film shall be decided by the Feature Film jury. The eligibility list includes a section of rules determining which films shall not be eligible for entry in the competition.<ref name="eligibility"/>
A list of rules is presented every year in a document of regulations known as the National Film Award Regulations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=72nd National Film Awards Regulations - National Film Awards |url=https://www.nationalfilmawards.in/regulations |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=www.nationalfilmawards.in |language=en-US}}</ref> The criteria for eligibility contain many clauses. Among them, there is a direct requirement for the makers of a film, and particularly the director, to be Indian nationals.<ref name="eligibility">55th National Film Awards Regulations. ''Eligibility''. Pages 2–3.</ref> Films entering the competition should be produced in India, and in the case of co-production involving a foreign entity, there are as many as six conditions that should be fulfilled in order for the film to qualify.<ref name="eligibility"/> According to the criteria, in order to be eligible for consideration by the jury, a film should be certified by the [[Central Board of Film Certification]] between 1 January and 31 December. Whether a film is considered a feature film or a non-feature film shall be decided by the Feature Film jury. The eligibility list includes a section of rules determining which films shall not be eligible for entry in the competition.<ref name="eligibility"/>


== Awards ==
== Awards ceremonies ==
The "Year" in the below table corresponds to the year of the film certificate issued by the [[Central Board of Film Certification|CBFC]]. The "Date" indicates when the awards were presented to the winners.
{|class="wikitable sortable sticky-header" style="text-align: center"
|-
!Year
! Ceremony
! Date
! Best Feature Film
!Best Non-Feature Film
|-
|1953
| [[1st National Film Awards|1st]]|| 10 October 1954 || [[Shyamchi Aai (1953 film)|''Shyamchi Aai'']]
|''Mahabalipuram''
|-
|1954
| [[2nd National Film Awards|2nd]]|| 21 December 1955 || ''[[Mirza Ghalib (film)|Mirza Ghalib]]''
|''Spirit of the Loom''
|-
|1955
| [[3rd National Film Awards|3rd]]|| September 1956 || ''[[Pather Panchali]]''
|''Magic of Mountains''
|-
|1956
| [[4th National Film Awards|4th]]|| 28 April 1957 || ''[[Kabuliwala (1957 film)|Kabuliwala]]''
|''[[Gotoma the Buddha|Gotama The Buddha]]''
|-
|1957
| [[5th National Film Awards|5th]]|| 16 April 1958 || ''[[Do Aankhen Barah Haath]]''
|''A Himalayan Tapestry''
|-
|1958
| [[6th National Film Awards|6th]]|| 28 April 1959 || ''[[Sagar Sangamey]]''
|''Radha Krishna''
|-
|1959
| [[7th National Film Awards|7th]]|| 1 May 1960 || ''[[Apur Sansar]]''
|''Kathakali''
|-
|1960
| [[8th National Film Awards|8th]]|| 31 March 1961 || [[Anuradha (1960 film)|''Anuradha'']]
|''Kangra and Kulu''
|-
|1961
| [[9th National Film Awards|9th]]|| 21 April 1962 || ''[[Bhagini Nivedita (film)|Bhagini Nivedita]]''
|[[Rabindranath Tagore (film)|''Rabindranath Tagore'']]
|-
|1962
| [[10th National Film Awards|10th]]|| 21 April 1963 || ''[[Dada Thakur (film)|Dada Thakur]]''
|''Four Centuries Ago''
|-
|1963
| [[11th National Film Awards|11th]]|| 25 April 1964 || ''[[Shehar Aur Sapna]]''
|''Song of the Snow''
|-
|1964
| [[12th National Film Awards|12th]]|| 31 May 1965 || ''[[Charulata]]''
|''One Day''
|-
|1965
| [[13th National Film Awards|13th]]|| 1966 || ''[[Chemmeen]]''
|''Cloven Horizon''
|-
|1966
| [[14th National Film Awards|14th]]|| 10 October 1967 || ''[[Teesri Kasam]]''
|''Glimpses of West Bengal''
|-
|1967
| [[15th National Film Awards|15th]]|| 25 November 1968 || ''[[Hatey Bazarey]]''
|''India '67''
|-
|1968
| [[16th National Film Awards|16th]]|| 13 February 1970 || ''[[Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne]]''
|''Everest''
|-
|1969
| [[17th National Film Awards|17th]]|| 21 November 1970 || ''[[Bhuvan Shome]]''
|''Amrita Sher-Gil''
|-
|1970
| [[18th National Film Awards|18th]]|| 1971 || ''[[Samskara (film)|Samskara]]''
|"No Award"
|-
|1971
| [[19th National Film Awards|19th]]|| 1 May 1972 || ''[[Seemabaddha]]''
|''Bhutan''
|-
|1972
| [[20th National Film Awards|20th]]|| 1973 || ''[[Swayamvaram (1972 film)|Swayamvaram]]''
|''[[The Inner Eye]]''
|-
|1973
| [[21st National Film Awards|21st]]|| October 1974 || ''[[Nirmalyam]]''
|''The Flame Burns Bright''
|-
|1974
| [[22nd National Film Awards|22nd]]|| 1976 || ''[[Chorus (1974 film)|Chorus]]''
|''Man In Search of Man''
|-
|1975
| [[23rd National Film Awards|23rd]]|| 1976 || ''[[Chomana Dudi]]''
|''Winged Wonderland''
|-
|1976
| [[24th National Film Awards|24th]]|| 1977 || ''[[Mrigayaa]]''
|{{Em dash}}
|-
|1977
| [[25th National Film Awards|25th]]|| 27 April 1978 || ''[[Ghatashraddha]]''
|''Deshratna Rajendra Prasad''
|-
| rowspan="2" |1978
| rowspan="2" | [[26th National Film Awards|26th]] || rowspan="2" | April 1979 || rowspan="2" | {{Em dash}}
|''Rumtek - A Monastery Wrethed''
|-
|''In A Hundred Thousand Rainbows''
|-
|1979
| [[27th National Film Awards|27th]]|| May 1980 || ''[[Shodh]]''
|{{Em dash}}
|-
|1980
| [[28th National Film Awards|28th]]|| April 1981||''[[Akaler Shandhaney]]''
|''Daldal''
|-
|1981
| [[29th National Film Awards|29th]]|| April 1982||''[[Dakhal]]''
|''Faces After The Storm''
|-
|1982
| [[30th National Film Awards|30th]]|| May 1983||''[[Chokh]]''
|''An Indian Story''
|-
|1983
| [[31st National Film Awards|31st]]|| June 1984||''[[Adi Shankaracharya (film)|Adi Shankaracharya]]''
|''The Procession''
|-
|1984
| [[32nd National Film Awards|32nd]]|| June 1985||''[[Damul]]''
|''Music of Satyajit Ray''
|-
|1985
| [[33rd National Film Awards|33rd]]|| June 1986||''[[Chidambaram (film)|Chidambaram]]''
|''[[Bombay: Our City]]''
|-
|1986
| [[34th National Film Awards|34th]]|| September 1987||''[[Tabarana Kathe]]''
|''The Land of Sand Dunes''
|-
|1987
| [[35th National Film Awards|35th]]|| April 1988||''[[Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai]]''
|''Bhopal: Beyond Genocide''
|-
|1988
| [[36th National Film Awards|36th]]|| 31 May 1989||''[[Piravi]]''
|''Kanaka Purandara''
|-
|1989
| [[37th National Film Awards|37th]]|| May 1990||''[[Bagh Bahadur]]''
|''Aar Koto Din''
|-
|1990
| [[38th National Film Awards|38th]]|| 7 April 1991||''[[Marupakkam]]''
|''Graven Image''
|-
|1991
| [[39th National Film Awards|39th]]|| 6 May 1992||''[[Agantuk]]''
|''Sons of Abotani: The Misings''
|-
|1992
| [[40th National Film Awards|40th]]|| 4 May 1993||''[[Bhagavad Gita (film)|Bhagavad Gita]]''
|''In Search of Indian Theatre''
|-
|1993
| [[41st National Film Awards|41st]]|| 30 September 1994||''[[Charachar]]''
|''Maihar Raag''
|-
|1994
| [[42nd National Film Awards|42nd]]|| 17 July 1995||''[[Unishe April]]''
|''Rasayatra''
|-
|1995
| [[43rd National Film Awards|43rd]]|| 6 August 1996||''[[Kathapurushan]]''
|''Tarana''
|-
|1996
| [[44th National Film Awards|44th]]|| 15 July 1997||''[[Lal Darja]]''
|''Sham's Vision''
|-
|1997
| [[45th National Film Awards|45th]]|| 10 July 1998||''[[Thaayi Saheba]]''
|''Jataner Jami''
|-
|1998
| [[46th National Film Awards|46th]]|| 15 February 2000||''[[Samar (1999 film)|Samar]]''
|''In The Forest Hangs a Bridge''
|-
|1999
| [[47th National Film Awards|47th]]|| 18 September 2000||''[[Vanaprastham]]''
|''Dui Paatan Ke Beech Mein''
|-
|2000
| [[48th National Film Awards|48th]]|| 12 December 2001||''[[Shantham]]''
|''Rasikpriya''
|-
|2001
| [[49th National Film Awards|49th]]|| 13 February 2003||''[[Dweepa]]''
|''Sonal''
|-
|2002
| [[50th National Film Awards|50th]]|| 29 December 2003||''[[Mondo Meyer Upakhyan]]''
|''Narayan Gangaram Surve''
|-
| rowspan="2" |2003
| rowspan="2" | [[51st National Film Awards|51st]]|| rowspan="2" | 2 February 2005|| rowspan="2" |''[[Shwaas]]''
|''Kaya Poochhe Maya Se''
|-
|''War and Peace''
|-
|2004
| [[52nd National Film Awards|52nd]]|| 21 October 2005||''[[Page 3 (film)|Page 3]]''
|''Girni''
|-
|2005
| [[53rd National Film Awards|53rd]]|| 14 September 2007||''[[Kaalpurush (2005 film)|Kaalpurush]]''
|''[[Riding Solo to the Top of the World]]''
|-
|2006
| [[54th National Film Awards|54th]]|| 2 September 2008||''[[Pulijanmam]]''
|''Bishar Blues''
|-
|2007
| [[55th National Film Awards|55th]]|| 21 October 2009||''[[Kanchivaram]]''
|''[[Hope Dies Last in War]]''
|-
|2008
| [[56th National Film Awards|56th]]|| 20 March 2010||''[[Antaheen]]''
|''[[AFSPA, 1958]]''
|-
| rowspan="2" |2009
| rowspan="2" | [[57th National Film Awards|57th]]|| rowspan="2" | 22 October 2010|| rowspan="2" |''[[Kutty Srank]]''
|''The Postman''
|-
|''Bilal''
|-
|2010
| [[58th National Film Awards|58th]]|| 9 September 2011||''[[Adaminte Makan Abu]]''
|''[[Germ (film)|Germ]]''
|-
| rowspan="2" |2011
| rowspan="2" | [[59th National Film Awards|59th]]|| rowspan="2" | 3 May 2012||''[[Byari (film)|Byari]]''
| rowspan="2" |''[[And We Play On]]''
|-
|''[[Deool]]''
|-
|2012
| [[60th National Film Awards|60th]]|| 3 May 2013||''[[Paan Singh Tomar (film)|Paan Singh Tomar]]''
|''[[Shepherds of Paradise]]''
|-
|2013
| [[61st National Film Awards|61st]]|| 3 May 2014||''[[Ship of Theseus (film)|Ship of Theseus]]''
|''[[Rangbhoomi (2013 film)|Rangbhoomi]]''
|-
|2014
| [[62nd National Film Awards|62nd]]|| 3 May 2015||''[[Court (2014 film)|Court]]''
|''[[Tender Is the Sight]]''
|-
|2015
| [[63rd National Film Awards|63rd]]|| 3 May 2016||''[[Baahubali: The Beginning]]''
|''[[Amdavad Ma Famous]]''
|-
|2016
| [[64th National Film Awards|64th]]|| 3 May 2017||''[[Kaasav]]''
|''Fireflies in the Abyss''
|-
|2017
| [[65th National Film Awards|65th]]|| 3 May 2018||''[[Village Rockstars]]''
|{{Em dash}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |2018
| rowspan="2" | [[66th National Film Awards|66th]]|| rowspan="2" | 23 December 2019|| rowspan="2" |''[[Hellaro]]''
|''[[Son Rise]]''
|-
|''[[The Secret Life of Frogs]]''
|-
|2019
| [[67th National Film Awards|67th]]|| 25 October 2021||''[[Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea]]''
|''An Engineered Dream''
|-
|2020
| [[68th National Film Awards|68th]]|| 30 September 2022||''[[Soorarai Pottru]]''
|''[[Testimony of Ana]]''
|-
|2021
| [[69th National Film Awards|69th]]
| 17 October 2023
|''[[Rocketry: The Nambi Effect]]''
|''[[Ek Tha Gaon]]''
|-
|2022
| [[70th National Film Awards|70th]]
| 8 October 2024
|''[[Aattam]]''
|''[[Ayena]]''
|-
|2023
| [[71st National Film Awards|71st]]
| 23 September 2025
|''[[12th Fail]]''
|''[[Flowering Man]]''
|}


The Awards are categorised into three sections; Feature Films, Non-Feature Films, and Best Writing on Cinema. With each section having its individual aims, Feature Film and Non-Feature Film sections aim at encouraging the production of films of aesthetic and technical excellence and social relevance, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of cultures of different regions of the country in cinematic form, thereby promoting unity and integrity of the nation. The Best Writing on Cinema section aims to encourage the study and appreciation of cinema as an art form and dissemination of information and critical appreciation of the art form through the publication of various books, articles, reviews, newspaper coverage, and studies.<ref name="59threg">{{cite press release|url=http://dff.nic.in/59th_NFA_Regulations_1.pdf|title=59th National Film Awards: Regulations|publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]]|access-date=July 29, 2012|page=2,4,12,14,22,24,25,30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324031331/http://dff.nic.in/59th_NFA_Regulations_1.pdf|archive-date=24 March 2012}}</ref>
== Current categories ==
The awards are categorized into three sections; Feature film, Non-feature film, and Best Writing on cinema. With each section having its individual aims, [[Feature film|Feature Film]] and Non-Feature Film sections aim at encouraging the production of films of aesthetic and technical excellence and social relevance, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of cultures of different regions of the country in cinematic form, thereby promoting unity and integrity of the nation.<ref name="Explained 2022"/> The Best Writing on cinema section aims to encourage the study and appreciation of cinema as an art form and dissemination of information and critical appreciation of the art form through the publication of various books, articles, reviews, newspaper coverage, and studies.<ref name="59threg">{{cite press release |url=http://dff.nic.in/59th_NFA_Regulations_1.pdf |title=59th National Film Awards: Regulations |publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]] |access-date=29 July 2012 |page=2,4,12,14,22,24,25,30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324031331/http://dff.nic.in/59th_NFA_Regulations_1.pdf |archive-date=24 March 2012}}</ref> In addition, a lifetime achievement award, named after the father of Indian cinema [[Dadasaheb Phalke]], is awarded to a film personality for the outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema.<ref name="59threg" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://dff.nic.in/dadasahebphalke.asp |title=Dadasaheb Phalke Award Past Recipients |publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]] |access-date=13 August 2012}}</ref>


In addition, a lifetime achievement award, named after the father of Indian cinema [[Dadasaheb Phalke]], is awarded to a film personality for the outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema.<ref name="59threg"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://dff.nic.in/dadasahebphalke.asp|title=Dadasaheb Phalke Award Past Recipients|publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]]|access-date=August 13, 2012}}</ref>
All the award winners are awarded a [[Medal]]lion, a cash prize, and a certificate of merit. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, six categories from the Feature Films section, three from the Non-Feature Films and Best Writing on Cinema sections each have been made eligible for ''Swarna Kamal'' (Golden Lotus Award), and the rest of the categories for ''Rajat Kamal'' (Silver Lotus Award).<ref name="59threg" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/asia/rrr-allu-arjun-alia-bhatt-national-awards-india-1235703652/ |title=‘RRR’ Wins Big at India’s National Film Awards |first=Naman |last=Ramachandran |date=24 August 2023}}</ref>


All the award winners are awarded a [[Medal]]lion, cash prize, and a certificate of merit. Six categories from the Feature Films section, two from the Non-Feature Films and Best Writing on Cinema sections each have been made eligible for ''Swarna Kamal'' (Golden Lotus Award) and the rest of the categories for ''Rajat Kamal'' (Silver Lotus Award).<ref name="59threg"/>
=== Lifetime Achievement ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+List of current Lifetime Achievement categories by year introduced
!Year introduced
!Category
|-
! colspan="2" |Golden Lotus (Swarna Kamal)
|-
|'''1969'''
|[[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]]
|}


=== Lifetime Achievement Award ===
=== Feature film ===
* [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+List of current Feature film categories by year introduced
!Year introduced
!Category
|-
! colspan="2" |Golden Lotus (Swarna Kamal)
|-
|'''1953'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film|Best Feature Film]]
|-
|'''1953'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Children's Film|Best Children's Film]]
|-
|'''1967'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Direction|Best Direction]]
|-
|'''1974'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment|Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]]
|-
|'''1980'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Debut Film of a Director|Best Debut Film of a Director]]
|-
|'''2022'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Film in AVGC|Best Film in AVGC (Best Animation Film)]]
|-
! colspan="2" |Silver Lotus (Rajat Kamal)
|-
|'''1954'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Bengali Feature Film|Best Bengali Feature Film]]
|-
|'''1954'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Hindi Feature Film|Best Hindi Feature Film]]
|-
|'''1954'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Kannada Feature Film|Best Kannada Feature Film]]
|-
|'''1954'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Malayalam Feature Film|Best Malayalam Feature Film]]
|-
|'''1954'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Marathi Feature Film|Best Marathi Feature Film]]
|-
|'''1954'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Tamil Feature Film|Best Tamil Feature Film]]
|-
|'''1954'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Telugu Feature Film|Best Telugu Feature Film]]
|-
|'''1955'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Assamese Feature Film|Best Assamese Feature Film]]
|-
|'''1960'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Gujarati Feature Film|Best Gujarati Feature Film]]
|-
|'''1960'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Odia Feature Film|Best Odia Feature Film]]
|-
|'''1962'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Punjabi Feature Film|Best Punjabi Feature Film]]
|-
|'''1965'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Konkani Feature Film|Best Konkani Feature Film]]
|-
|'''1967'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role|Best Actor in a Leading Role]]
|-
|'''1967'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role|Best Actress in a Leading Role]]
|-
|'''1967'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Music Direction|Best Music Direction]]
|-
|'''1967'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer|Best Male Playback Singer]]
|-
|'''1967'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Screenplay|Best Screenplay]]
|-
|'''1967'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Cinematography|Best Cinematography]]
|-
|'''1968'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer|Best Female Playback Singer]]
|-
|'''1968'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Lyrics|Best Lyrics]]
|-
|'''1968'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Child Artist|Best Child Artist]]
|-
|'''1972'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Manipuri Feature Film|Best Manipuri Feature Film]]
|-
|'''1976'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Sound Design|Best Sound Design]]
|-
|'''1976'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Editing|Best Editing]]
|-
|'''1978'''
|[[National Film Award – Special Mention (feature film)|Special Mention]]
|-
|'''1979'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Production Design|Best Production Design]]
|-
|'''1984'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role|Best Actor in a Supporting Role]]
|-
|'''1984'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role|Best Actress in a Supporting Role]]
|-
|'''1984'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Costume Design|Best Costume Design]]
|-
|'''1985'''
|[[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Bodo Feature Film|Best Bodo Feature Film]]
|-
|'''1991'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Choreography|Best Choreography]]{{Efn|Although the category was introduced in [[39th National Film Awards]] (1991), there was no winner. The first winner was announced during the [[40th National Film Awards]] (1992).}}
|-
|'''2006'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Make-up|Best Make-up]]
|-
|'''2016'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Stunt Choreography|Best Stunt Choreography]]
|-
|'''2022'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values|Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values]]
|-
|'''2022'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Film in AVGC|Best Film in AVGC (Best Visual Effects)]]
|}


=== Feature Film Awards ===
=== Non-feature film ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+List of current Non-feature film categories by year introduced
!Year introduced
!Category
|-
! colspan="2" |Golden Lotus (Swarna Kamal)
|-
|'''1953'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film|Best Non-Feature Film]]
|-
|'''1991'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Debut Film of a Director (non-feature film)|Best Debut Film of a Director]]{{Efn|The category was remained in the Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus) section since the introduction, but was moved to Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) section during the [[70th National Film Awards]] (2022).<ref>{{cite web |author=Under Secretary to the Government of India |title=Report on Rationalization of Awards Conferred by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting {{!}} Ministry of Information and Broadcasting {{!}} Government of India |url=https://mib.gov.in/filmsdocuments/report-rationalization-awards-conferred-ministry-information-broadcasting |publisher=[[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]] |access-date=25 August 2024 |date=14 December 2023}}</ref>}}
|-
|'''2000'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Direction (non-feature film)|Best Direction]]
|-
! colspan="2" |Silver Lotus (Rajat Kamal)
|-
|'''1967'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Animation Film|Best Animation Film]]
|-
|'''1978'''
|[[National Film Award – Special Mention (non-feature film)|Special Mention]]
|-
|'''1985'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Arts/Cultural Film|Best Arts / Cultural Film]]
|-
|'''1987'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Short Film|Best Short Film]]
|-
|'''1990'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Cinematography (non-feature film)|Best Cinematography]]
|-
|'''1990'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Editing (non-feature film)|Best Editing]]
|-
|'''1990'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Sound Design (non-feature film)|Best Sound Design]]
|-
|'''1993'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Music Direction (non-feature film)|Best Music Direction]]
|-
|'''2003'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Narration / Voice Over|Best Narration / Voice Over]]
|-
|'''2022'''
|Best Non Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values
|-
|'''2022'''
|Best Biographical / Historical Reconstruction / Compilation Film
|-
|'''2022'''
|Best Documentary
|-
|'''2022'''
|Best Script
|}


==== Golden Lotus Award ====
=== Writing on cinema ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+List of current Writing on cinema categories by year introduced
!Year introduced
!Category
|-
! colspan="2" |Golden Lotus (Swarna Kamal)
|-
|'''1981'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Book on Cinema|Best Book on Cinema]]
|-
|'''1984'''
|[[National Film Award for Best Film Critic|Best Film Critic]]
|}


Official name - ''Swarna Kamal''
== Discontinued and intermittent categories ==
{{Main|Discontinued and intermittent National Film Awards}}


{{colbegin}}
==Records==
* [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film|Best Feature Film]]
{| class="wikitable floatright plainrowheaders"
* [[National Film Award for Best Direction|Best Director]]
|+ List of films with most awards
* [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment|Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]]
|-
* [[National Film Award for Best Children's Film|Best Children's Film]]
! scope="col" | Film (Year)
* [[Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director|Best Debut Film of a Director]]
! scope="col" | No. of awards won
* [[National Film Award for Best Animated Film|Best Animated Film]]
|-
{{colend}}
! scope="row" | ''[[Lagaan]]'' ([[49th National Film Awards|2001]])
 
|{{won|8}}
==== Silver Lotus Award ====
|-
 
! scope="row" | ''[[Bajirao Mastani]]'' ([[63rd National Film Awards|2015]])
Official Name: ''Rajat Kamal''
|{{won|7}}
 
|-
{{colbegin}}
! scope="row" | [[Godmother (film)|''Godmother'']] ([[46th National Film Awards|1998]])
* [[National Film Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
|{{won|6}}
* [[National Film Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]]
|-
* [[National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]]
! scope="row" | ''[[Kannathil Muthamittal]]'' ([[50th National Film Awards|2002]])
* [[National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]]
|{{won|6}}
* [[National Film Award for Best Child Artist|Best Child Artist]]
|-
* [[National Film Award for Best Music Direction|Best Music Direction]]
! scope="row" | ''[[Aadukalam]]'' ([[58th National Film Awards|2010]])
* [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer|Best Male Playback Singer ]]
|{{won|6}}
* [[National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer|Best Female Playback Singer]]
|-
* [[National Film Award for Best Lyrics|Best Lyrics]]
! scope="row" | ''[[RRR]]'' ([[69th National Film Awards|2022]])
* [[National Film Award for Best Art Direction|Best Art Direction]]
|{{won|6}}
* [[National Film Award for Best Audiography|Best Audiography]]
|-
* [[National Film Award for Best Choreography|Best Choreography]]
! scope="row" | ''[[Jogwa]]'' ([[56th National Film Awards|2008]])
* [[National Film Award for Best Cinematography|Best Cinematography]]
|{{won|5}}
* [[National Film Award for Best Costume Design|Best Costume Design]]
|-
* [[National Film Award for Best Editing|Best Editing]]
! scope="row" | ''[[Kutty Srank]]'' ([[57th National Film Awards|2009]])
* [[National Film Award for Best Make-up Artist|Best Make-up]]
|{{won|5}}
* [[National Film Award for Best Screenplay|Best Screenplay]]
|-
* [[National Film Award for Best Special Effects|Best Special Effects]]
! scope="row" | ''[[Soorarai Pottru]]'' ([[68th National Film Awards|2020]])
* [[National Film Award for Best Stunt Choreography|Best Stunt Choreography]]
|{{won|5}}
* [[National Film Award – Special Jury Award (Feature film)|Special Jury Award]]
|-
* [[National Film Award – Special Mention (feature film)|Special Mention]]
! scope="row" | ''[[Gangubai Kathiawadi]]'' ([[69th National Film Awards|2022]])
{{colend}}<br/>
|{{won|5}}
{{colbegin}}
|-
* [[National Film Award for Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation|Best Film on Environment Conservation / Preservation]]
|}
* [[National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare|Best Film on Family Welfare]]
* [[Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration|Best Film on National Integration]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues|Best Film on Other Social Issues]]
{{colend}}<br/>
 
Best Feature Film in 17 of the 22 languages specified in the [[Languages with official status in India#Eighth Schedule to the Constitution|Eighth Schedule]] of the [[Constitution of India]]:
 
{{colbegin|colwidth=28em}}
*[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Assamese|Best Feature Film in Assamese]]
*[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bengali|Best Feature Film in Bengali]]
*[[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Feature Film in Bodo|Best Feature Film in Bodo]]
*[[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Feature Film in Dogri|Best Feature Film in Dogri]]
*[[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Feature Film in Gujarati|Best Feature Film in Gujarati]]
*[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi|Best Feature Film in Hindi]]
*[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada|Best Feature Film in Kannada]]
*[[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Feature Film in Kashmiri|Best Feature Film in Kashmiri]]
*[[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Feature Film in Konkani|Best Feature Film in Konkani]]
*[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam|Best Feature Film in Malayalam]]
*[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Manipuri|Best Feature Film in Manipuri]]
*[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi|Best Feature Film in Marathi]]
*[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Odia|Best Feature Film in Odia]]
*[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Punjabi|Best Feature Film in Punjabi]]
*[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil|Best Feature Film in Tamil]]
*[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu|Best Feature Film in Telugu]]
*[[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Feature Film in Urdu|Best Feature Film in Urdu]]
{{colend}}<br/>
 
Best Feature Film in each of the languages other than those specified in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India:
 
{{colbegin|colwidth=28em}}
*[[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Feature Film in Bhojpuri|Best Feature Film in Bhojpuri]]
*[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in English|Best Feature Film in English]]
*[[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Feature Film in Khasi|Best Feature Film in Khasi]]
*[[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Feature Film in Kodava|Best Feature Film in Kodava]]
*[[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Feature Film in Kokborok|Best Feature Film in Kokborok]]
*[[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Feature Film in Monpa|Best Feature Film in Monpa]]
*[[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Feature Film in Tulu|Best Feature Film in Tulu]]
{{colend}}
 
==== Discontinued Awards ====
 
{{colbegin|colwidth=28em}}
* [[National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film|Second Best Feature Film]]
* [[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Third Best Feature Film|Third Best Feature Film]]
* [[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Story|Best Story]]
{{colend}}
 
=== Non-Feature Film Awards ===
 
==== Golden Lotus Award ====
 
Official Name: ''Swarna Kamal''
 
{{colbegin}}
* [[National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film|Best Non-Feature Film]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film Direction|Best Director]]
{{colend}}
 
==== Silver Lotus Award ====
 
Official Name: ''Rajat Kamal''
 
{{colbegin}}
* [[National Film Award for Best First Non-Feature Film of a Director|Best First Film of a Director]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film Audiography|Best Audiography]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film Cinematography|Best Cinematography]]
* [[National Film Award – Special Jury Award (Non-Feature Film)|Special Jury Award / Special Mention]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film Editing|Best Editing]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film Music Direction|Best Music Direction]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film Narration / Voice Over|Best Narration / Voice Over]]
{{colend}}<br/>
{{colbegin}}
* [[National Film Award for Best Agriculture Film|Best Agriculture Film]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Animation Film|Best Animation Film]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Anthropological/Ethnographic Film|Best Anthropological / Ethnographic Film]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Arts/Cultural Film|Best Arts / Cultural Film]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Biographical Film|Best Biographical Film]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Educational/Motivational/Instructional Film|Best Educational / Motivational / Instructional Film]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Environment/Conservation/Preservation Film|Best Environment/Conservation/Preservation Film]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Exploration/Adventure Film|Best Exploration / Adventure Film]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film on Family Welfare|Best Film on Family Welfare]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Historical Reconstruction/Compilation Film|Best Historical Reconstruction / Compilation Film]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Investigative Film|Best Investigative Film]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Promotional Film|Best Promotional Film]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Scientific Film|Best Scientific Film]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Short Fiction Film|Best Short Fiction Film]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Film on Social Issues|Best Film on Social Issues]]
{{colend}}
 
==== Discontinued Awards ====
 
{{colbegin}}
* [[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Experimental Film|Best Experimental Film]]
* [[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Filmstrip|Best Filmstrip]]
* [[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Industrial Film|Best Industrial Film]]
* [[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best News Review|Best News Review]]
* [[Discontinued and Intermittent National Film Awards#Best Newsreel Cameraman|Best Newsreel Cameraman]]
{{colend}}
 
=== Writing on Cinema ===
 
==== Golden Lotus Award ====
 
Official Name: ''Swarna Kamal''
 
{{colbegin}}
* [[National Film Award for Best Book on Cinema|Best Book on Cinema]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Film Critic|Best Film Critic]]
{{colend}}


== Notes ==
<references group="lower-alpha" />
== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


=== Further reading ===
=== Further reading ===
* {{Citation
* {{Citation |surname1=Matthew |given1=K.M. |year=2006 |title=Manorama Yearbook 2006 |publisher=Malayala Manorama, India |isbn=81-89004-07-7}}
| surname1 = Matthew
| given1 = K.M.
| year = 2006
| title = Manorama Yearbook 2006
| publisher= Malayala Manorama, India
| isbn = 81-89004-07-7
}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{commons category|National Film Awards, India}}
{{commons category|National Film Awards, India}}
* [https://dff.nic.in Directorate of Film Festivals]
* {{Official website|https://nfaindia.org/}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090508040421/http://www.imdb.com/Sections/Awards/National_Film_Awards_India/ National Film Awards] at [[IMDb]]
* [https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000467 National Film Awards] at [[IMDb]]


{{National Film Awards}}
{{National Film Awards}}
{{India Honours and Decorations}}
{{National Cinema Awards}}
{{National Cinema Awards}}


Latest revision as of 11:17, 13 March 2026


This article is about the National Film Awards in India. For other uses, see National Film Awards (disambiguation).

National Film Awards
71st National Film Awards
LocationVigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
CountryIndia
Presented byNational Film Development Corporation
First awarded10 October 1954; 71 years ago (1954-10-10)
Websitenfaindia.org

The National Film Awards are awards for artistic and technical merit given for excellence within the Indian film industry. Established in 1954, it has been administered, along with the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Panorama, by the Indian government's Directorate of Film Festivals from 1973 until 2020, and by the NFDC since 2021.[1][2][3]

Every year, a national panel appointed by the government selects the winning entry, and the award ceremony is held in New Delhi, where the President of India presents the awards. This is followed by the inauguration of the National Film Festival, where award-winning films are screened for the public. Declared for films produced in the previous year across the country, they hold the distinction of awarding merit to the best of Indian cinema overall, as well as presenting awards for the best films in each region and language of the country.[4]

History[edit | edit source]

The Awards were first presented in 1954. The Government of India conceived the ceremony to honor films made across India, on a national scale, to encourage the furthering of Indian art and culture. From 1973 until 2020, the Indian Directorate of Film Festivals administers the ceremony along with other major film events in India annually.[5] Since then, National Film Development Corporation of India administers the ceremony.

Juries and rules[edit | edit source]

The National Film Awards are presented in two main categories: Feature Films and Non-Feature Films.[1] The juries are appointed by the NFDC. Neither the Government nor the organization has influence over which films are selected for consideration and which films ultimately win awards. There are strict criteria as to whether a film is eligible for consideration by the jury panels. Over 100 films made across the country are entered in each category (Feature and Non-Feature) for the awards and are deemed eligible each year.[6]

A list of rules is presented every year in a document of regulations known as the National Film Award Regulations.[7] The criteria for eligibility contain many clauses. Among them, there is a direct requirement for the makers of a film, and particularly the director, to be Indian nationals.[8] Films entering the competition should be produced in India, and in the case of co-production involving a foreign entity, there are as many as six conditions that should be fulfilled in order for the film to qualify.[8] According to the criteria, in order to be eligible for consideration by the jury, a film should be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification between 1 January and 31 December. Whether a film is considered a feature film or a non-feature film shall be decided by the Feature Film jury. The eligibility list includes a section of rules determining which films shall not be eligible for entry in the competition.[8]

Awards ceremonies[edit | edit source]

The "Year" in the below table corresponds to the year of the film certificate issued by the CBFC. The "Date" indicates when the awards were presented to the winners.

Year Ceremony Date Best Feature Film Best Non-Feature Film
1953 1st 10 October 1954 Shyamchi Aai Mahabalipuram
1954 2nd 21 December 1955 Mirza Ghalib Spirit of the Loom
1955 3rd September 1956 Pather Panchali Magic of Mountains
1956 4th 28 April 1957 Kabuliwala Gotama The Buddha
1957 5th 16 April 1958 Do Aankhen Barah Haath A Himalayan Tapestry
1958 6th 28 April 1959 Sagar Sangamey Radha Krishna
1959 7th 1 May 1960 Apur Sansar Kathakali
1960 8th 31 March 1961 Anuradha Kangra and Kulu
1961 9th 21 April 1962 Bhagini Nivedita Rabindranath Tagore
1962 10th 21 April 1963 Dada Thakur Four Centuries Ago
1963 11th 25 April 1964 Shehar Aur Sapna Song of the Snow
1964 12th 31 May 1965 Charulata One Day
1965 13th 1966 Chemmeen Cloven Horizon
1966 14th 10 October 1967 Teesri Kasam Glimpses of West Bengal
1967 15th 25 November 1968 Hatey Bazarey India '67
1968 16th 13 February 1970 Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne Everest
1969 17th 21 November 1970 Bhuvan Shome Amrita Sher-Gil
1970 18th 1971 Samskara "No Award"
1971 19th 1 May 1972 Seemabaddha Bhutan
1972 20th 1973 Swayamvaram The Inner Eye
1973 21st October 1974 Nirmalyam The Flame Burns Bright
1974 22nd 1976 Chorus Man In Search of Man
1975 23rd 1976 Chomana Dudi Winged Wonderland
1976 24th 1977 Mrigayaa —
1977 25th 27 April 1978 Ghatashraddha Deshratna Rajendra Prasad
1978 26th April 1979 — Rumtek - A Monastery Wrethed
In A Hundred Thousand Rainbows
1979 27th May 1980 Shodh —
1980 28th April 1981 Akaler Shandhaney Daldal
1981 29th April 1982 Dakhal Faces After The Storm
1982 30th May 1983 Chokh An Indian Story
1983 31st June 1984 Adi Shankaracharya The Procession
1984 32nd June 1985 Damul Music of Satyajit Ray
1985 33rd June 1986 Chidambaram Bombay: Our City
1986 34th September 1987 Tabarana Kathe The Land of Sand Dunes
1987 35th April 1988 Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai Bhopal: Beyond Genocide
1988 36th 31 May 1989 Piravi Kanaka Purandara
1989 37th May 1990 Bagh Bahadur Aar Koto Din
1990 38th 7 April 1991 Marupakkam Graven Image
1991 39th 6 May 1992 Agantuk Sons of Abotani: The Misings
1992 40th 4 May 1993 Bhagavad Gita In Search of Indian Theatre
1993 41st 30 September 1994 Charachar Maihar Raag
1994 42nd 17 July 1995 Unishe April Rasayatra
1995 43rd 6 August 1996 Kathapurushan Tarana
1996 44th 15 July 1997 Lal Darja Sham's Vision
1997 45th 10 July 1998 Thaayi Saheba Jataner Jami
1998 46th 15 February 2000 Samar In The Forest Hangs a Bridge
1999 47th 18 September 2000 Vanaprastham Dui Paatan Ke Beech Mein
2000 48th 12 December 2001 Shantham Rasikpriya
2001 49th 13 February 2003 Dweepa Sonal
2002 50th 29 December 2003 Mondo Meyer Upakhyan Narayan Gangaram Surve
2003 51st 2 February 2005 Shwaas Kaya Poochhe Maya Se
War and Peace
2004 52nd 21 October 2005 Page 3 Girni
2005 53rd 14 September 2007 Kaalpurush Riding Solo to the Top of the World
2006 54th 2 September 2008 Pulijanmam Bishar Blues
2007 55th 21 October 2009 Kanchivaram Hope Dies Last in War
2008 56th 20 March 2010 Antaheen AFSPA, 1958
2009 57th 22 October 2010 Kutty Srank The Postman
Bilal
2010 58th 9 September 2011 Adaminte Makan Abu Germ
2011 59th 3 May 2012 Byari And We Play On
Deool
2012 60th 3 May 2013 Paan Singh Tomar Shepherds of Paradise
2013 61st 3 May 2014 Ship of Theseus Rangbhoomi
2014 62nd 3 May 2015 Court Tender Is the Sight
2015 63rd 3 May 2016 Baahubali: The Beginning Amdavad Ma Famous
2016 64th 3 May 2017 Kaasav Fireflies in the Abyss
2017 65th 3 May 2018 Village Rockstars —
2018 66th 23 December 2019 Hellaro Son Rise
The Secret Life of Frogs
2019 67th 25 October 2021 Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea An Engineered Dream
2020 68th 30 September 2022 Soorarai Pottru Testimony of Ana
2021 69th 17 October 2023 Rocketry: The Nambi Effect Ek Tha Gaon
2022 70th 8 October 2024 Aattam Ayena
2023 71st 23 September 2025 12th Fail Flowering Man

Current categories[edit | edit source]

The awards are categorized into three sections; Feature film, Non-feature film, and Best Writing on cinema. With each section having its individual aims, Feature Film and Non-Feature Film sections aim at encouraging the production of films of aesthetic and technical excellence and social relevance, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of cultures of different regions of the country in cinematic form, thereby promoting unity and integrity of the nation.[1] The Best Writing on cinema section aims to encourage the study and appreciation of cinema as an art form and dissemination of information and critical appreciation of the art form through the publication of various books, articles, reviews, newspaper coverage, and studies.[9] In addition, a lifetime achievement award, named after the father of Indian cinema Dadasaheb Phalke, is awarded to a film personality for the outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema.[9][10]

All the award winners are awarded a Medallion, a cash prize, and a certificate of merit. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, six categories from the Feature Films section, three from the Non-Feature Films and Best Writing on Cinema sections each have been made eligible for Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus Award), and the rest of the categories for Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus Award).[9][11]

Lifetime Achievement[edit | edit source]

List of current Lifetime Achievement categories by year introduced
Year introduced Category
Golden Lotus (Swarna Kamal)
1969 Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Feature film[edit | edit source]

List of current Feature film categories by year introduced
Year introduced Category
Golden Lotus (Swarna Kamal)
1953 Best Feature Film
1953 Best Children's Film
1967 Best Direction
1974 Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment
1980 Best Debut Film of a Director
2022 Best Film in AVGC (Best Animation Film)
Silver Lotus (Rajat Kamal)
1954 Best Bengali Feature Film
1954 Best Hindi Feature Film
1954 Best Kannada Feature Film
1954 Best Malayalam Feature Film
1954 Best Marathi Feature Film
1954 Best Tamil Feature Film
1954 Best Telugu Feature Film
1955 Best Assamese Feature Film
1960 Best Gujarati Feature Film
1960 Best Odia Feature Film
1962 Best Punjabi Feature Film
1965 Best Konkani Feature Film
1967 Best Actor in a Leading Role
1967 Best Actress in a Leading Role
1967 Best Music Direction
1967 Best Male Playback Singer
1967 Best Screenplay
1967 Best Cinematography
1968 Best Female Playback Singer
1968 Best Lyrics
1968 Best Child Artist
1972 Best Manipuri Feature Film
1976 Best Sound Design
1976 Best Editing
1978 Special Mention
1979 Best Production Design
1984 Best Actor in a Supporting Role
1984 Best Actress in a Supporting Role
1984 Best Costume Design
1985 Best Bodo Feature Film
1991 Best Choreography[lower-alpha 1]
2006 Best Make-up
2016 Best Stunt Choreography
2022 Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values
2022 Best Film in AVGC (Best Visual Effects)

Non-feature film[edit | edit source]

List of current Non-feature film categories by year introduced
Year introduced Category
Golden Lotus (Swarna Kamal)
1953 Best Non-Feature Film
1991 Best Debut Film of a Director[lower-alpha 2]
2000 Best Direction
Silver Lotus (Rajat Kamal)
1967 Best Animation Film
1978 Special Mention
1985 Best Arts / Cultural Film
1987 Best Short Film
1990 Best Cinematography
1990 Best Editing
1990 Best Sound Design
1993 Best Music Direction
2003 Best Narration / Voice Over
2022 Best Non Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values
2022 Best Biographical / Historical Reconstruction / Compilation Film
2022 Best Documentary
2022 Best Script

Writing on cinema[edit | edit source]

List of current Writing on cinema categories by year introduced
Year introduced Category
Golden Lotus (Swarna Kamal)
1981 Best Book on Cinema
1984 Best Film Critic

Discontinued and intermittent categories[edit | edit source]

Main article: Discontinued and intermittent National Film Awards

Records[edit | edit source]

List of films with most awards
Film (Year) No. of awards won
Lagaan (2001) 8
Bajirao Mastani (2015) 7
Godmother (1998) 6
Kannathil Muthamittal (2002) 6
Aadukalam (2010) 6
RRR (2022) 6
Jogwa (2008) 5
Kutty Srank (2009) 5
Soorarai Pottru (2020) 5
Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) 5

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Although the category was introduced in 39th National Film Awards (1991), there was no winner. The first winner was announced during the 40th National Film Awards (1992).
  2. ↑ The category was remained in the Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus) section since the introduction, but was moved to Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) section during the 70th National Film Awards (2022).[12]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Explained: The National Film Awards, their history, significance, and recent trends". 22 July 2022.
  2. ↑ Official site Directorate of Film Festivals
  3. ↑ Film Festival Archived 17 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ↑ "69th National Film Awards: Here's the complete winner list". 17 October 2023 – via The Economic Times - The Times of India.
  5. ↑ "70th National Film Awards: Heavy criticism from industry for ignoring contributions to sound recording and mixing". Hindustan Times. 25 February 2024.
  6. ↑ "National Awards 2022 Winners" – via The Economic Times - The Times of India.
  7. ↑ "72nd National Film Awards Regulations - National Film Awards". www.nationalfilmawards.in. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 55th National Film Awards Regulations. Eligibility. Pages 2–3.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "59th National Film Awards: Regulations" (PDF) (Press release). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 2,4,12,14,22,24,25,30. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2012.
  10. ↑ "Dadasaheb Phalke Award Past Recipients". Directorate of Film Festivals. Retrieved 13 August 2012.
  11. ↑ Ramachandran, Naman (24 August 2023). "'RRR' Wins Big at India's National Film Awards".
  12. ↑ Under Secretary to the Government of India (14 December 2023). "Report on Rationalization of Awards Conferred by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting | Ministry of Information and Broadcasting | Government of India". Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Retrieved 25 August 2024.

Further reading[edit | edit source]

  • Matthew, K.M. (2006), Manorama Yearbook 2006, Malayala Manorama, India, ISBN 81-89004-07-7

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:National Cinema Awards

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