The countdown to one of Indian cinema’s most prestigious events has officially begun. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced that the 71st National Film Awards ceremony will be held on September 23, 2025, at the iconic Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The event, which will be attended by the President of India, is set to be a star-studded affair, with the nation’s top cinematic talent gathering to receive their honours.
This year’s ceremony is generating unprecedented excitement, as it will honour some of the biggest names in the film industry, including Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is set to receive his maiden National Award. The event will be a grand celebration of the best of Indian cinema from the year 2023.
The Winners of National Film Awards and Their Triumphs
The official list of winners, which was announced on August 1, 2025, has already created a significant buzz, especially for the major acting categories. The ceremony will be a historic moment for Shah Rukh Khan, who, after a career spanning more than three decades, will finally receive the coveted award for Best Actor for his blockbuster performance in ‘Jawan.’ His win, a first in his illustrious career, has been celebrated by fans as a long-overdue tribute to his artistry.
The award for Best Actor is being shared with another exceptional performer, Vikrant Massey, who has been recognized for his soul-stirring portrayal of Manoj Kumar Sharma in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s critically acclaimed film ’12th Fail.’ Massey’s win is a testament to the power of a compelling narrative and a standout performance.
In the Best Actress category, Rani Mukerji has won her first National Award for her powerful and heart-wrenching performance in ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.’ Her portrayal of a mother fighting against all odds for her children was met with universal praise from critics and audiences alike.
The ceremony will also honour the filmmakers behind some of the year’s most successful projects. Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the director and producer of 12th Fail, will be recognized for his film’s triumph in the Best Feature Film category. Meanwhile, producer Karan Johar will receive the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for his romantic comedy-drama ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,’ which was a commercial and critical success.
A Celebration of Indian Cinema’s Best
The National Film Awards are a beacon of excellence, recognizing artistic merit and technical brilliance across all regional film industries in India. The 71st edition is no exception, with awards being distributed across various categories for both feature and non-feature films.
The awards highlight the diversity and richness of Indian cinema. From the Best Cinematography award for The Kerala Story to the Best Film in AVGC for Hanu-Man, the awards showcase the talent and innovation present in every corner of the country.
The ceremony provides a unique opportunity for filmmakers and artists from different industries to converge and celebrate their collective achievements. It is a moment of national pride, as the President of India presents these accolades, honouring the individuals who have contributed to the cultural landscape of the nation through the medium of cinema.
