The National Film Awards, a revered and prestigious celebration of Indian cinema, adds a touch of grandeur to New Delhi each year. The President of India has the honour of presenting these esteemed awards, a tradition interrupted for 2 years by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 68th National Film Awards, held last year, recognized outstanding films from 2020. Today, the 69th edition took place on August 24, in a cozy gathering at the National Media Center, New Delhi, as declared by the Jury.
Commencing in 1954 as the 'State Awards,' this recognition initially commended exceptional regional language films. However, it wasn't until 1967 that the accolades extended to include actors and technicians contributing to these cinematic marvels. A pioneer, Nargis, secured the inaugural Best Actress award for her compelling role in "Raat Aur Din," while Uttam Kumar took home the Best Actor honor for his exceptional performances in "Antony Firingee" and "Chiriyakhana."
Neerja Sekhar, Additional Secretary of I&B, revealed that the evaluation encompassed an impressive total of 280 feature films spanning 28 languages, alongside 158 non-feature films across 23 languages.
And now, the stars who shone brightest at the 69th National Film Awards:
In the Spotlight
Acting:
Child Artist: Bhaviun Rabari in "Chhello Show"
Supporting Actress: Pallavi Joshi in "The Kashmir Files"
Supporting Actor: Pankaj Tripathi in "Mimi"
Actresses: Alia Bhatt for "Gangubai Kathiawadi," Kriti Sanon for "Mimi"
Actor: Allu Arjun for "Pushpa: The Rise"
Best Director: Nikhil Mahajan for "Godavari"
Feature Films:
Children's Film: "Gandhi and Co"
Environment and Conservation: "Aavasavyuham"
Social Issues: "Anunaad - The Resonance"
National Integration (Nargis Dutt Award): "The Kashmir Files"
Wholesome Entertainment: "RRR"
Best Debut Film: "Meppadiyan"
Best Feature Film: "Rocketry: The Nambi Effect"
Non-Feature Film:
Best Non-Feature Film: Ek Tha Gaon (Garhwali & Hindi)
Best Director: Bakual Matiyani for the film Smile Please (Hindi)
Best Film on Family Values: Chand Saanse (Hindi)
Best Cinematographer: Bittu Rawat for the film Pataal Tee (Bhotiya)
Best Investigative Film: Looking For Challan (English)
Best Educational Film: Sirpigalin Sipangal (Tamil)
Best Film on Social Issues: Mithu Di (English), Three Two One (Marathi & Hindi)
Best Environmental Films: Munnam Valavu (Malayalam)
Best Book on Cinema: Music by Laxmikant Pyarelal: The Incredibly Melodious Journey by Rajiv Vijayakar
Best Film Critic: Purushothama Charyulu
Best Film Critic (Special Mention): Subramanya Bandoor
Music:
Male Playback: Kaala Bhairava for "RRR"
Female Playback: Shreya Ghoshal for Iravin Nizhal (Shadow of the Night)
Best Lyrics: Chandrabose for "Konda Polam"
Best Music Direction: Devi Sri Prasad for "Pushpa" & M.M. Keeravaani for RRR
Background Score: MM Keeravani for "Pushpa"
Special Mentions:
Kadaisi Vivasayi (The Last Farmer): Late Shri Nallandi
"Jhilli": Aranya Gupta and Bitahn Biswas
"Home": Indrans
"Anur: Eyes on The Sunshine": Jahanara Begum
Best Feature Films Across Languages:
Mishing Film: "Boomba Ride"
Assamese Film: "Anur"
Bengali: "Kalkokkho"
Hindi: "Sardar Udham"
Gujarati: "Last Film Show (Chhello Show)"
Kannada: "777 Charlie"
Maithili: "Samanantar"
Marathi: "Ekda Kay Zala"
Malayalam: "Home"
Meiteilon: "Eikhoigi Yum"
Odia: "Pratikshya"
Tamil: "Kadaisi Vivasayi"
Telugu: "Uppena"
Technical Excellence:
Action Direction: King Soloman for "RRR"
Best Choreography: Prem Rakshith for "RRR"
Special Effects: V Srinivas Mohan for "RRR"
Special Jury Award: Vishnu Varadhan for "Shershaah"
Make-Up: Preetisheel Singh D'Souza for "Gangubai Kathiawadi"
Costume: Veera Kapoor for "Sardar Udham"
Production Design: "Sardar Udham"
Editing: "Gangubai Kathiawadi" and "Bhansali"
Audiography: "Chavittu," "Jhilli," "Sardar Udham"
Screenplay: "Nayattu" (Original), "Gangubai Kathiawadi" (Adapted)
Best Dialogue: "Gangubai Kathiawadi"
Best Cinematography: "Sardar Udham"
The 69th National Film Awards continue to honour the magic that unfolds on the silver screen, celebrating the visionaries who create unforgettable moments in cinema.
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