2026 National Film Awards Highlights Major Winners: Yami, Kartik, Mammootty

The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards were announced on Saturday by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in New Delhi. A significant highlight of this year’s awards was the recognition of actress Yami Gautam, who received the Best Actress award for her compelling performance in the film “Article 370,” which tackles the complexity surrounding the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a notable outcome, the Best Actor award was shared by Kartik Aaryan for his transformative role in “Chandu Champion”—a sports drama that portrays the relentless spirit of a champion—and Mammootty, recognized for his acclaimed performance in the Malayalam horror drama “Bramayugam.” The National Film Awards, one of the most prestigious awards in India, aim to honor excellence across various categories in the film industry, celebrating artistic and technical talent in Indian cinema.

The awards cover numerous categories including Best Feature Film, Best Direction, and Best Music Direction, among others, highlighting the diverse landscape of Indian filmmaking. The nominees and winners are selected by a panel of judges appointed by the government, reflecting a wide range of perspectives from different regional cinema industries.