NEW DELHI – The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s Directorate of Film Festivals today, August 16, 2026, unveiled the recipients of the 68th National Film Awards, recognizing excellence across Indian cinema. Actress Yami Gautam secured the Best Actress award for her performance in "Article 370," while the coveted Best Actor honor was shared by Kartik Aaryan and veteran actor Mammootty for their respective roles. The announcements were made in a press conference held in New Delhi, highlighting a diverse range of cinematic achievements from the previous year.

Yami Gautam received critical acclaim for her portrayal in the Hindi film "Article 370," a political action thriller. This marks her first National Film Award, a significant milestone in her career. Kartik Aaryan’s recognition for Best Actor comes from his performance in the film "Stardust Echoes," a poignant drama, marking a departure from his more comedic roles. He shares the accolade with Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty, who was honored for his powerful lead role in the film "The Fisherman's Tale," adding another prestigious award to his extensive collection.

The National Film Awards are considered among the most prestigious film honors in India, presented annually by the Directorate of Film Festivals, an organization under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The awards aim to encourage the production of films of aesthetic and technical excellence and social relevance, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of film cultures across different regions of India. The selection process involves an independent jury comprising eminent filmmakers and film personalities.

Other notable winners announced for the 68th edition include:

  • Best Feature Film: Echoes of the Valley (Hindi), directed by Anya Sharma. The film was lauded for its compelling narrative and technical execution.
  • Best Director: Siddharth Mehta for the Marathi film River's Edge. Mehta's direction was praised for its innovative storytelling and visual artistry.
  • Best Supporting Actor: Boman Irani for his role in The Inheritance.
  • Best Supporting Actress: Samantha Ruth Prabhu for her performance in the Tamil film City of Dreams.
  • Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Family Fiesta, a multi-lingual production, which resonated widely with audiences across India.
  • Best Screenplay (Original): Rohan Kapoor for Stardust Echoes.
  • Best Cinematography: Alok Sinha for River's Edge.

The announcement of these awards sets the stage for the official ceremony, where the President of India typically presents the Golden Lotus (Swarna Kamal) and Silver Lotus (Rajat Kamal) awards to the winners. While the exact date for the awards ceremony is yet to be announced, it traditionally takes place in New Delhi in the coming months. This year's diverse list of winners reflects the vibrant and evolving landscape of Indian cinema, encompassing various languages, genres, and talents from across the country.