The National Film Awards is India’s most prestigious cinematic honor. It has been the ultimate benchmark for recognizing the crème de la crème of the film industry. Unlike the typical glitz and glam of commercial awards, the National Film Awards focus on the artistry, craftsmanship, and the sheer dedication that goes into making films that aren’t just about box office numbers. Let’s dive into why these awards are so important and how they shine a spotlight on the gems of Indian cinema.
The 70th National Film Awards was the talk of the town as the winners were unveiled today, August 16, at the National Media Center in New Delhi. Don’t worry, the actual ceremony is still on the horizon, where these talented stars and filmmakers will be honored by none other than the President of India, Droupadi Murmu herself. But while we wait for that red-carpet moment, let’s dive into the epic list of winners!
So, what films were eligible to snag these prestigious awards? Only those that passed the eagle-eyed scrutiny of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and hit the screens between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. Now, let’s break down the ultimate winner’s list that had everyone buzzing!
Complete winner list of the 70th national film awards
Feature Categories
- Best Feature Film: Aattam
- Best Actor: Rishab Shetty for Kantara
- Best Actress (Joint Winners):
- Nithya Menen for Tiruchitrabalam
- Manasi Parekh for Kutch Express
- Best Director: Sooraj Barjatya for Uunchai
- Best Supporting Actress: Neena Gupta for Uunchai
- Best Supporting Actor: Pawan Malhotra for Fouja
- Best Feature Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kantara
- Best Debut: Fouja by Pramod Kumar
- Best Telugu Film: Karthikeya 2
- Best Tamil Film: Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1
- Best Punjabi Film: Baaghi Di Dhee
- Best Odia Film: Daman
- Best Malayalam Film: Saudi Velakka CC.225/2009
- Best Marathi Film: Vaalvi
- Best Kannada Film: KGF: Chapter 2
- Best Hindi Film: Gulmohar
- Best Tiwa Film: Sikaisal
- Best Bengali Film: Kaberi Antardhan
- Best Assamese Film: Emuthi Puthi
- Special Mentions:
- Manoj Bajpayee for Gulmohar
- Sanjoy Salil Chowdhury for Kalikhan
- Best Action Direction: KGF: Chapter 2
- Best Choreography: Tiruchitrabalam
- Best Lyrics: Fouja
- Best Music Director:
- Pritam (Songs)
- AR Rahman (Background Score)
- Best Makeup: Aparajito
- Best Costumes: Kutch Express
- Best Production Design: Aparajito
- Best Editing: Aattam
- Best Sound Design: Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1
- Best Screenplay: Aattam
- Best Dialogues: Gulmohar
- Best Cinematography: Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1
- Best Female Playback Singer: Bombay Jayashri for Saudi Velakka CC.225/2009
- Best Male Playback Singer: Arijit Singh for Brahmastra
- Best Child Artist: Sreepath for Mallikappuram
- Best Film in AVGC: Brahmastra
- Best Non-Feature Film Promoting Social and Environmental Values: Kutch Express
Film Writing
- Best Critic: Deepak Dua
- Best Book on Cinema: Kishore Kumar: The Ultimate Biography
Non-Feature Categories
- Best Non-Feature Film: Ayena
- Best Debut Film: Madhyantara
- Best Biographical/Historical/Compilation Film: Aanakhi Ek Mohenjo Daro
- Best Arts/Culture Film:
- Ranga Vibhoga
- Varsa
- Best Script: Mono No Aware
- Best Narrator: Murmurs of the Jungle
- Best Music Direction: Fursat
- Best Editing: Madhyantara
- Best Sound Design: Yaan
- Best Cinematography: Mono No Aware
- Best Direction: From the Shadow
- Best Short Film: Xunyota
- Best Animated Film: The Coconut Tree
- Best Non-Feature Film Promoting Social and Environmental Values: On the Brink Season 2 – Gharial
- Best Documentary: Murmurs of the Jungle
And that’s just scratching the surface! This year’s jury, led by heavyweights like Rahul Rawail, Nila Madhab Panda, and Gangadhar Mudalair, had their work cut out for them. But they’ve delivered a lineup that’s sure to make waves across the nation. Major congrats to all the winners, you’ve just raised the bar for Indian cinema!
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