The 69th edition of the National Film Awards was held with great acclaim at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi. Each year, a distinguished national panel is appointed by the government to meticulously select the deserving winners. Subsequently, the President of India confers these prestigious accolades, marking the commencement of the National Film Festival, where the award-winning films are screened.
These awards, which honor outstanding cinematic achievements across India, celebrate the rich tapestry of Indian art and culture. The 2023 awards ceremony witnessed the recognition of exceptional talents, including luminaries such as Alia Bhatt, Kriti Sanon, and Allu Arjun, who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
Here is the list of notable winners at the National Film Awards 2023:
Best Feature Film: Rocketry
Best Director: Nikhil Mahajan for Godavari
Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration: The Kashmir Files
Best Actor: Allu Arjun for Pushpa
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: RRR
Best Actress:
- Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi
- Kriti Sanon for Mimi
Best Supporting Actor: Pankaj Tripathi for Mimi
Best Supporting Actress: Pallavi Joshi for The Kashmir Files
Best Child Artist: Bhavin Rabari for Chhello Show
Best Kannada Film: Charlie 777
Best Hindi Film: Sardar Udham
Best Lyrics: Chandrabose for Konda Polam's Dham Dham Dham
Best Female Playback Singer: Shreya Ghoshal for Iravin Nizhal
Best Male Playback Singer: Kaala Bhairava for RRR
Best Music Direction (Background Music): MM Keeravaani for RRR
Best Music Director (Songs): Devi Sri Prasad for Pushpa
Best Dialogue Writer: Utkarshini Vashishtha & Prakash Kapadia for Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Screenplay (Adapted): Sanjay Leela Bhansali & Utkarshini Vashishtha for Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Screenplay (Original): Shahi Kabir for Nayattu
Best Malayalam Film: Home
Best Gujarati Film: Chhello Show
Best Tamil Film: Kadaisi Vivasayi
Best Telugu Film: Uppena
Best Maithili Film: Samantar
Best Cinematography: Avik Mukhopadhayay for Sardar Udham
Best Choreography: Prem Rakshith for RRR
Best Audiography (Re-recordist of the final mixed track): Sinoy Joseph for Sardar Udham
Best Audiography (Sound Designer): Aneesh Basu for Jhilli
Best Audiography (Location Sound Recordist): Arun Asok & Sonu K P for Chavittu
Best Children's Film: Gandhi & Co.
Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation: Aavasavyuham
Best Film on Social Issues: Anunaad - The Resonance
Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director: Meppadiyan by Vishnu Mohan
Best Odiya Film: Pratikshya
Best Meiteilon Film: Eikhoihi Yum
Best Assamese Film: Anur
Best Bengali Film: Kalkokkho
Best Marathi Film: Ekda Kaay Zala
Best Mishing Film: Boomba Ride
Best Make-up: Preetisheel Singh for Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Editing: Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Production Design: Dmitrii Malich and Mansi Dhruv Mehta for Sardar Udham
Best Special Effects: Srinivas Mohan for RRR
Best Costume Designer: Veera Kapur Ee for Sardar Udham
Special Jury Award: Shershaah by Vishnuvardhan
Best Stunt Choreography: King Soloman for RRR
These distinguished awardees have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, contributing significantly to its growth and diversity. The National Film Awards 2023 stands as a testament to their remarkable talents and the continued evolution of Indian filmmaking.