The 71st National Film Awards ceremony, held on September 23, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, celebrated the finest talents in Indian cinema for the year 2023. The event was graced by President Droupadi Murmu, who personally presented the awards, highlighting the significance of the occasion and recognizing outstanding contributions across the film industry.
In a historic moment, the Best Actor award was shared by Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey. Khan won for his powerful performance in Jawan, marking his first National Award after an illustrious career spanning over three decades. Vikrant Massey was honored for his role in 12th Fail, portraying an aspiring IPS officer with remarkable depth and versatility. Rani Mukerji also received her first National Award for Best Actress for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, recognizing her dedication and exceptional portrayal of the character’s emotional journey. The Best Feature Film award went to 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, praised for its compelling narrative and impactful storytelling.
The ceremony also acknowledged regional cinema and other notable contributions. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his lifelong contribution to Indian cinema. Sudipto Sen won Best Director for The Kerala Story, while Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery was recognized as Best Hindi Film. Regional films like Bhagavanth Kesari (Telugu), Parking (Tamil), Kandeelu – The Ray of Hope (Kannada), and Shyamchi Aai (Marathi) were also honored, underscoring the rich diversity and talent across India’s film industries.
