India’s 72nd National Film Awards will make history this year. The prestigious ceremony will move from Delhi to Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on September 22, 2026.
President Droupadi Murmu will present the awards at the ceremony. The venue is located near the Statue of Unity, adding a strong cultural connection to the event.
The National Film Awards have traditionally been associated with Delhi. This year marks the first time in the awards’ 72-year history that the main ceremony will move outside the capital.
The decision brings one of India’s biggest cinema events to Gujarat. It also highlights the growing importance of cultural venues beyond traditional centres.
Ekta Nagar, formerly known as Kevadia, is home to the Statue of Unity.
The location also has a special connection with this year’s awards. A film featuring the Statue of Unity will receive a National Award during the ceremony.
This creates a unique link between the award-winning work and the place where the honours will be presented.
The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards were announced in July.
Article 370 won Best Feature Film. Yami Gautam received the Best Actress award for the same film.
Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty shared the Best Actor honour for Chandu Champion and Bramayugam respectively.
Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Director for Amaran. Meanwhile, Kalki 2898 AD received the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
The 2026 awards also reflect the diversity of Indian cinema.
Films from different Indian languages received recognition across several categories. This includes Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali and other regional cinema.
Such recognition continues to underline the wide range of storytelling emerging from across India.
The National Film Awards recognise more than popular films and performers.
They celebrate acting, direction, writing, music, cinematography, technical skills and regional filmmaking.
The awards therefore provide a national platform for creative and technical talent from different parts of the country.
Moving the ceremony to Gujarat gives the 72nd National Film Awards a different character.
The event will bring national cinema recognition closer to one of India’s major cultural and tourism destinations.
With the Statue of Unity as its backdrop, the September 22 ceremony is expected to be an important moment for Indian cinema and cultural recognition.
