72nd National Film Awards 2026: When, where to watch ceremony live
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony will be held in Kevadia, Gujarat, marking the first time the event has moved outside of New Delhi. The ceremony honors achievements in Indian cinema from 2024, with veteran actor Anant Nag receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Why it matters
The relocation of this prestigious national event signifies a shift in cultural administration and highlights the growing importance of regional hubs in Indian cinema.
The 72nd edition of the National Awards ceremony, is set to take place in Kevadia, Gujarat, on Tuesday (September 22, 2026). President Droupadi Murmu will present the awards for outstanding achievements in Indian cinema for 2024.
Breaking a decades-long tradition, the prestigious ceremony is being organised outside New Delhi for the first time, moving away from its historical venue at Vigyan Bhawan.
The award ceremony is set to begin at 3 p.m. IST, with the highly anticipated red carpet expected to start earlier at 2:30 p.m. For those who can’t attend the event, they can watch the entire event stream live online for free on the official DD National YouTube Channel.
Established in 1954, the National Awards are considered one of the highest honours in Indian cinema. It celebrates outstanding achievements in feature films, non-feature films, and cinema writing, encompassing a diverse array of languages, regions and filmmaking styles.
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