New Delhi— The winners of the 71st National Film Awards for the year 2023 were officially announced , recognizing cinematic excellence across India’s diverse film industries. Organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the awards celebrated talent from both mainstream and regional cinema.
The Hindi film 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, emerged as the standout winner of the ceremony, earning the prestigious Best Feature Film award. This biographical drama has been applauded for its strong storytelling and inspirational message.
In a historic moment, Shah Rukh Khan received his first-ever National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Jawan. He shared the honor with Vikrant Massey, who was equally lauded for his portrayal in 12th Fail.
Rani Mukerji took home the Best Actress award for her emotionally charged performance in Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway, also marking her first win at the National Awards.
Key Acting Awards
Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) & Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
Best Actress: Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway)
Best Supporting Actor: Vijayaraghavan (Pookkaalam), Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar (Parking)
Best Supporting Actress: Urvashi (Ullozhukku), Janki Bodiwala (Vash)
The Telugu superhero film Hanu-Man was awarded Best Film in the AVGC category (Animation, VFX, Gaming & Comics), recognizing innovation in digital storytelling.
Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani won Best Popular Film for Wholesome Entertainment, while Sam Bahadur, based on the life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, was honored for promoting national and social values.
Best Non-Feature Film: Flowering Man (Hindi)
Best Documentary: God Vulture and Human
Best Short Film: Giddh – The Scavenger
Best Male Playback Singer: PVN S Rohit for Premisthunna (Telugu)
Best Female Playback Singer: Shilpa Rao for Chaliya from Jawan
Best Choreography: Vaibhavi Merchant for Dhindhora Baje Re in Rocky Aur Rani
Best Background Music: Harshavardhan Rameshwar (Animal)
Best Lyrics: Kasarla Shyam (Balagam)
The National Awards continue to promote linguistic and cultural diversity in Indian cinema. Notable regional winners include:
Best Assamese Film: Rongatapu 1982
Best Tamil Film: Parking
Best Malayalam Film: Ullozhukku
Best Telugu Film: Bhagavanth Kesari
Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery
Films like The Kerala Story, Animal, and Naal 2 also earned technical recognition for direction, editing, cinematography, sound, and production design. Meanwhile, first-time filmmakers such as Ashish Bende (Aatmapamphlet) and Shilpika Bordoloi (Mau: The Spirit Dreams of Cheraw) were acknowledged for their promising debuts.
The jury, chaired by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker for feature films and P. Sheshadri for non-feature films, selected the winners from hundreds of entries submitted nationwide. The awards were later submitted to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan before public declaration.
The 71st National Film Awards not only celebrated star power but also honored grassroots storytellers and emerging voices, reflecting the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
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