National Film Awards 2026: Winners & Highlights!

Lights, Camera, Awards! The 73rd National Film Awards ceremony just wrapped up in New Delhi, and News Reporter Live was on the ground to bring you all the Bollywood buzz. This year's awards saw a mix of mainstream hits and indie gems taking home the coveted Rajat Kamal and Swarna Kamal. From Alia Bhatt’s powerful performance to a surprise regional cinema win, here's a breakdown of the night’s biggest moments.

The Best Actor award was jointly awarded to Vicky Kaushal for his portrayal of Sam Manekshaw in 'Sam Bahadur' and Tamil superstar Suriya for 'Soorarai Pottru' (dubbed). Alia Bhatt bagged Best Actress for her role in 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', proving her mettle once again. Sanjay Leela Bhansali won best director for 'Gangubai Kathiawadi', which also bagged Best Film award. Speaking to News Reporter Live after the ceremony, Alia Bhatt said, "This award is incredibly special. 'Gangubai' will always hold a special place in my heart. I am thankful to Sanjay sir for believing in me"

Major Wins and Surprises at the National Film Awards

One of the biggest surprises of the night was 'Godavari', a Marathi film directed by Nikhil Mahajan, winning Best Feature Film in Marathi. The film, a poignant story about a family grappling with loss, has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of human emotions. The Best Hindi Film award went to 'Bheed', Anubhav Sinha's hard-hitting social commentary. While 'Bheed' received mixed reviews upon its theatrical release, the National Award win is a significant recognition of its powerful message. The film is currently available on Amazon Prime Video.

The awards weren't just limited to Hindi cinema. Regional films shone brightly, with 'Soorarai Pottru' dominating the Tamil film category, also earning Suriya the Best Actor award. 'Home', a Malayalam film, won Best Film on Social Issues for its sensitive telling of an elderly father's struggle to adapt to the digital age and connect with his technology-obsessed sons; reportersays, the movie is available on Netflix. Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Film on National Integration.

Box Office Blockbusters Recognized

Commercial successes weren't ignored either. 'RRR', which took the global stage by storm in 2022, won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The film, directed by S.S. Rajamouli, grossed over ₹1200 crore worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. The jury recognized its cultural impact and its ability to connect with audiences across the globe. The film is currently available on Netflix.

OTT Platforms and the Changing Landscape

The rise of OTT platforms has significantly impacted the entertainment industry, and the National Film Awards reflected this shift. While theatrical releases still hold importance, films that premiered directly on streaming services were also recognized. This highlights the growing acceptance of OTT as a legitimate platform for storytelling, offering filmmakers greater creative freedom and wider reach.

What's next in Bollywood? Keep an eye out for the upcoming releases of Shah Rukh Khan's 'King' and Deepika Padukone's 'Singham Again'. With a mix of action, drama, and romance, Bollywood promises another exciting year. For live cricket scores, check out Live Cricket. Stay tuned to Entertainment News for the latest updates!