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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN INDIAN CINEMA
The National Film Awards are prestigious awards that recognise artistic and technical merit in the Indian film industry. Established in 1954, these awards have been honouring outstanding films and filmmakers across the country for over six decades.
History
The National Film Awards were conceived by the Government of India to encourage the growth and development of Indian art and culture. The awards were first presented in 1954 and have been administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals from 1973 to 2020 and by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) since 2021.
The Award Ceremony
The award ceremony is held in New Delhi, where the President of India presents the awards to the winners. This is followed by the inauguration of the National Film Festival, where award-winning films are screened for the public.
Categories and Juries
The National Film Awards are presented in two main categories: Feature Films and Non-Feature Films. The juries are appointed by the NFDC and the selection process is independent and impartial.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for consideration, a film must meet certain criteria, including:
- The film should be produced in India
- The director and makers of the film should be Indian nationals
- The film should be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification between January 1 and December 31
Significance
The National Film Awards hold a special place in the Indian film industry, as they recognize and celebrate the best of Indian cinema. These awards provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and gain recognition on a national level.
Key Sections of the Awards
- Feature Film Awards: Recognizing outstanding feature films across various languages and genres.
- Non-Feature Film Awards: Celebrating excellence in short films, documentaries, and animation.
- Best Writing on Cinema: Honouring books and critics that explore and contribute to the discourse on Indian cinema.
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Awarded for lifetime contributions to Indian cinema.
