The National Film Awards ceremony is set to move out of Delhi for the first time in its 72-year history, with the 72nd edition scheduled to take place at Ekta Nagar, formerly known as Kevadia, in Gujarat, on September 22. President Droupadi Murmu will present the honours to the winners.
The move marks a major departure from the long-standing tradition of holding the prestigious ceremony in the national capital. The first National Film Awards were presented in 1954, and Delhi has hosted most editions of the awards over the decades, with Vigyan Bhawan becoming the most associated venue.
Why Gujarat?
Ekta Nagar is home to the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The 597-foot statue was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 and has since become one of Gujarat’s major tourist and cultural landmarks.
Although the ceremony is traditionally held in Delhi, this is not the first time the National Film Awards have been presented outside the capital. The 17th edition was held at the University Centenary Auditorium in Chennai in 1970. However, the 2026 ceremony will mark the first time the awards are being moved out of Delhi in the modern tradition of the event.
National Film Awards 2026 winners
The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards were announced in July. Article 370 was named Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam won Best Actress for her performance in the film.
Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan will share the Best Actor award for their performances in Bramayugam and Chandu Champion, respectively. Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Director for Amaran, while Randeep Hooda was named Best Debut Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
Kalki 2898 AD won the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, while Captain Miller was recognised as the Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values.
The awards recognise excellence across feature films, non-feature films and writings on cinema, making the National Film Awards one of the most prestigious honours in Indian cinema.
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony will take place at Ekta Nagar on September 22, with President Droupadi Murmu scheduled to confer the honours.
