Introduction and Key Awards

- Initiated in 1954, the National Film Awards recognize the brilliant works in the Indian film industry. The 70th edition of these Awards recently took place in 2022, announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

- "Aattam (The Play)", directed by Anand Ekarshi, won Best Feature Film, and "Ayena (Mirror)", directed by Siddhant Sarin, secured the title of Best Non-Feature Film.

- The Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment was "Kantara".

- Rishab Shetty and Nithya Menen were awarded Best Actor and Best Actress for their performances in "Kantara" and "Thiruchitrambalam" respectively.

- Pavan Raj Malhotra and Neena Gupta bagged Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, while "Brahmastra-Part 1: Shiva" won Best Film in AVGC category.

Understanding the National Film Awards

- Governed by the Directorate of Film Festivals (established 1973), the winners of the National Film Awards are awarded a Medallion, a cash prize, and a Certificate of merit.

- The Awards divvy up into categories like feature films, non-feature films, and best writing on cinema, with winners of some categories eligible for the Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus Award) and the rest for the Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus Award).

Commendable Categories in National Film Awards

1. Feature Films: 

- Promotes films that demonstrate aesthetic and technical excellence.

- Boosts the appreciation of regional cultures and fosters national unity.

- Six categories are eligible for the Swarna Kamal Award under this.

2. Non-Feature Films: 

- Support films exhibiting social relevance and technical quality.

- Contributes towards the appreciation of diverse cultural representations.

   - Swarna Kamal Award for Best non-feature film and Best Debut film of a Director fall under this category.

3. Best Writing on Cinema: 

- Aims at fueling study and critical appreciation of cinema as an art form.

- Encourages dissemination of information through books, articles, reviews, and research.

- The Swarna Kamal Award for Best Book on Cinema and Award for Best Film Critic are included.

The Eligibility to Compete

- Films must be produced in India, with the director and makers being Indian nationals. Co-productions with foreign entities should meet specific conditions.

- The films should be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification within the calendar year.

- Strikingly, over 100 films compete in each category (Feature and Non-Feature) every year.

- The juries, appointed by the Directorate of Film Festivals, ensure no influence from the Government or Directorate on the decision.

The Prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award

- The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, named after the pioneer of Indian Cinema, Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, is a part of the National Film Awards. The award is bestowed for the outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.

- The inaugural award was awarded to Devika Rani Roerich in 1969. The President of India presents this honour, which includes a 'Swarna Kamal', a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, a certification, a silk roll, and a shawl.