National Film Awards get a new stage: Statue of Unity prepares for red-carpet moment on Sept 22

The National Film Awards ceremony will be held in Gujarat for the first time on September 22, 2026, as announced by government officials. The 72nd edition of the prestigious event will take place in Ekta Nagar, marking a departure from the awards' customary venue in Delhi. The first National Film Awards were organized in the city back in 1954, with Delhi hosting most of the subsequent ceremonies.

However, the Awards have been presented outside Delhi before, with the 17th and 18th editions held in Madras (now Chennai) in 1970 and 1971. Ekta Nagar, previously known as Kevadia, is renowned for the Statue of Unity, a 597-foot monument dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.

Among the winners of the 72nd National Film Awards, which were announced in July, 'Article 370' was named the best feature film, with Yami Gautam receiving the best actress award for her role in the same film. Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan will share the best actor award for their performances in 'Bramayugam' (Malayalam) and 'Chandu Champion' (Hindi), respectively.

Actor-filmmaker Randeep Hooda was honored with the best debut director award for 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar', a biographical film on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. 'Kalki 2898 AD' has won the award for best popular film providing wholesome entertainment.