New Delhi: The National Film Awards are set to mark a historic shift this year, with the prestigious ceremony likely to move out of Delhi for the first time.
Gujarat has been chosen as the proposed host for the ceremony, marking a significant departure from the awards’ long-standing tradition of being held in the national capital.
The 72nd National Film Awards are expected to be presented in Ekta Nagar during President Droupadi Murmu’s upcoming visit to Gujarat.
According to reports, the President is likely to travel to the venue later this month to confer the prestigious honours on the winners.
If confirmed, the move would break from the decades-old tradition of hosting the ceremony in Delhi.
In recent years, the National Film Awards have been held at Vigyan Bhawan, with the President traditionally presenting the honours to the recipients.
The 72nd National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi in July, recognising films released in 2024.
Article 370 won Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam was named Best Actress. Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan jointly received the Best Actor award.
Filmmaker Aanand L Rai was also recognised in the non-feature category, winning Best Direction for Statue of Unity – Ekta Ka Prateek.
The potential decision to host the ceremony in Ekta Nagar would hold added significance given the location’s association with the Statue of Unity, one of Gujarat’s most prominent landmarks.