72nd National Film Awards: Dadasaheb Phalke honour for Anant Nag; Mammootty, Kartik Aaryan, Yami Gautam receive Best Actor awards

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday (September 22, 2026) conferred the 72nd National Film Awards for 2024 on top talents of Indian cinema, with veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag receiving the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke honour , and Yami Gautam, Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan as best actors.

Anant Nag won the Phalke Award “for his contribution to Indian cinema and an illustrious cinematic journey that has inspired generations.” Moments after winning the honour last week, Anant Nag told reporters, “It’s a great feeling to receive this honour. In a way, I feel the Padma Bhushan was a rehearsal for this big award, with all the excitement and anticipation that came with it. I dedicate this award to Kannadigas and Karnataka.”