The 71st National Film Awards for the year 2023 were announced in New Delhi on August 1, 2025, marking a significant moment for Indian cinema12. This prestigious event, organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals, celebrates the finest cinematic achievements across the nation, honoring exceptional talent, storytelling, and technical brilliance3. This year's ceremony was particularly noteworthy, with several new faces and mainstream blockbusters taking home top honors.

The Big Winners: Top Honors

The most anticipated awards of the evening saw a mix of commercial success and critical acclaim being recognized. The jury, chaired by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, selected the winners from films certified between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 20234.

Best Feature Film

Vidhu Vinod Chopra's "12th Fail" was crowned the Best Feature Film, celebrated for its inspiring narrative and impactful storytelling4. The film, based on the real-life story of an IPS officer, resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Best Actor and Actress

The Best Actor award was shared by two of the industry's biggest names:

• Shah Rukh Khan for his role in the action-thriller "Jawan," marking his first-ever National Film Award15.

• Vikrant Massey for his critically acclaimed performance in "12th Fail"54.

Rani Mukerji won the Best Actress award for her powerful portrayal of a mother fighting for her children in "Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway"45.

Best Director

Sudipto Sen was awarded Best Director for his work on the controversial yet commercially successful film "The Kerala Story"64.

Complete List of Major Award Winners

Here is a comprehensive look at the winners in the main feature film categories64:

Best Feature Film in Each Language

The awards also celebrated the rich diversity of regional cinema in India6:

Key Highlights and Takeaways

This year's awards ceremony was filled with memorable moments and significant milestones:

• Shah Rukh Khan's First Win: After a career spanning over three decades, Shah Rukh Khan secured his first National Award for Best Actor, a moment celebrated by fans across the country15.

• "12th Fail" Dominance: The film "12th Fail" was a major winner, bagging both Best Feature Film and a shared Best Actor award for Vikrant Massey4.

• Recognition for "Animal": Despite being a subject of debate, the film "Animal" was recognized for its technical prowess, winning for Best Music Direction (Background Score) and Best Sound Design6.

• Regional Cinema Shines: Films from various languages like Tamil ("Parking"), Malayalam ("Ullozhukku"), and Gujarati ("Vash") received top acting and technical awards, showcasing the strength of regional filmmaking64.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A Landmark Year for Indian Cinema

The 71st National Film Awards have delivered a verdict that balances mainstream appeal with artistic integrity. By honoring a diverse array of films and talents, the awards have once again underscored the dynamic and multifaceted nature of Indian cinema. From the long-awaited recognition for a superstar to the celebration of content-driven regional stories, the 2025 awards reflect a vibrant and evolving industry.

Important Links

• Official Press Release (PIB): https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2151537

• Full Winners List (Hindustan Times): https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/71st-national-filn-awards-full-list-of-winners-shah-rukh-khan-wins-first-ever-best-actor-rani-mukerji-is-best-actress-101754051978740.html