72nd National Film Awards 2026 Winners: Complete List of Award Winners and Their Celebrated Films

The 72nd National Film Awards have once again celebrated the finest achievements in Indian cinema, honouring exceptional performances, visionary filmmaking and technical brilliance across multiple languages.

Swati Bhat

Announced in New Delhi, this year's awards recognized films certified during 2024, highlighting the diversity and creative strength of the Indian film industry.

Political thriller Article 370 emerged as one of the biggest winners of the evening, winning the coveted Best Feature Film award. The film also brought Yami Gautam her first-ever National Award, earning her the Best Actress honour for her powerful and nuanced performance.

The Best Actor award was shared by Kartik Aaryan for his inspiring performance in Chandu Champion and Mammootty for the critically acclaimed Malayalam film Bramayugam, reflecting the jury's appreciation for two vastly different yet equally compelling performances.

Among language-specific honours, Srikanth, starring Rajkummar Rao, was named Best Hindi Feature Film, while Raayan received the Best Tamil Film award. Malayalam cinema celebrated Feminichi Fathima, and several regional films from Telugu, Kannada and Marathi cinema were also recognized for their storytelling excellence.

Major Winners at the 72nd National Film Awards

Best Feature Film: Article 370

Best Actor: Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) and Mammootty (Bramayugam)

Best Actress: Yami Gautam (Article 370)

Best Hindi Feature Film: Srikanth

Best Tamil Feature Film: Raayan

Best Malayalam Feature Film: Feminichi Fathima

Best Marathi Feature Film: Mukkam Post Bombilwadi

This year's National Film Awards showcased the growing strength of Indian cinema across mainstream and regional industries. From socially relevant stories and biographical dramas to technically accomplished productions, the honours reflected the industry's evolving creative landscape and reaffirmed the National Film Awards as India's most prestigious recognition for cinematic excellence.

#entertainment #art #nationalaward #bollywood

From Narendra Modi to Barack Obama: World Leaders Whose Love for Music Inspires the World

Music has always been a universal language capable of connecting people across cultures, borders, and ideologies. While political leaders are often remembered for their policies and diplomacy, many of them also share a deep appreciation for music that reflects their personalities beyond public office.

Swati Bhat

From India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to former US President Barack Obama and King Charles III, numerous global leaders have embraced music as a source of inspiration, cultural connection, and even diplomacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi consistently showcases India's rich musical heritage through his public engagements and social media. He often promotes regional artists and traditional compositions, introducing millions to India's diverse cultural legacy. Recently, while unveiling the new Jodhpur airport terminal, he featured the soulful track Kesariya Balam by Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej and legendary musician Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. Modi's association with Ricky Kej dates back to the composer's first Grammy Award win in 2015, when they discussed the power of music in promoting environmental awareness and India's cultural influence globally. Their shared vision was further highlighted during the COP21 Climate Conference in Paris, where Modi and then French President François Hollande unveiled Kej's acclaimed album Shanti Samsara.

In the United Kingdom, King Charles III has shown a lifelong passion for music. Earlier this year, he launched The King's Music Room, an Apple Music radio programme that offers listeners a personal glimpse into the songs that have shaped his life. His playlist is notably diverse, featuring legendary artists such as Bob Marley, Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue, Grace Jones, Diana Ross, Davido, Michael Bublé, and Raye. For King Charles, music represents cherished memories, emotional comfort, and a powerful connection to the many cultures across the Commonwealth.

Former US President Barack Obama has turned his annual music playlists into a global cultural event. Every summer and at the end of each year, audiences eagerly await his carefully curated selections, which blend timeless classics with contemporary hits. His playlists have featured artists like Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Billie Eilish, and several emerging independent musicians. Obama's choices have gained recognition for introducing listeners to fresh talent while celebrating established musical icons.

French President Emmanuel Macron has consistently placed music at the heart of France's cultural diplomacy. Through celebrations like the annual Fête de la Musique and events at the Élysée Palace, Macron has welcomed internationally renowned musicians while promoting both French and global artistic excellence. His commitment to cultural exchange extends beyond ceremonial appearances. During his visit to India in February 2026, Macron also spent time with Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej, emphasizing the growing cultural dialogue between India and France through music.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has similarly championed the country's vibrant music industry throughout his tenure. Whether celebrating Canada Day or congratulating artists on international achievements, Trudeau has regularly acknowledged musicians including Drake, The Weeknd, Céline Dion, Leonard Cohen, and The Tragically Hip. His support for Canadian talent has strengthened the country's creative identity on the global stage. Ahead of Diljit Dosanjh's major concert in Canada, Trudeau even made a surprise visit to personally congratulate the Punjabi superstar, further demonstrating his appreciation for artists who unite audiences across cultures.

From promoting traditional melodies to celebrating global superstars, these leaders demonstrate that music transcends politics. Their public embrace of artists like Ricky Kej, Beyoncé, Bob Marley, and many others highlights how melodies can foster cultural diplomacy, inspire unity, and remind the world that behind every leader is a person moved by the universal power of music.

#lifestyle #art #music

Cannes Film Festival 2026: Global Glamour, Indian Cinema Power & Red-Carpet Royalty Take Over the French Riviera

Cannes 2026 Becomes the Ultimate Celebration of Cinema, Fashion, Luxury and Global Storytelling

Swati Bhat

The Cannes Film Festival 2026 transformed the French Riviera into a glamorous hub as international cinema icons, filmmakers, fashion leaders, streaming giants, and emerging creators gathered for a major cultural event. With breathtaking red-carpet appearances and standing ovations for groundbreaking films, Cannes 2026 affirmed its status as the crown jewel of the global entertainment industry. This year's festival showcased a fusion of cinema, couture, technology, and luxury, with Indian cinema making a notable impact alongside Hollywood, European arthouse, Korean storytelling, and Middle Eastern independent films.

Indian Celebrities Shine Bright at Cannes 2026 Red Carpet:

Indian celebrities captivated global media at Cannes 2026 with their confident and elegant presence. The red carpet showcased dramatic couture, handcrafted Indian outfits, modern silhouettes, and experimental fashion that went viral on social media. Indian film projects drew attention from international buyers and OTT platforms, marking a 'turning point' for independent Indian cinema and premium digital content. Fashion critics lauded the bold styles, luxurious jewels, sustainable couture, and cinematic glamour. The fusion of traditional craftsmanship with futuristic fashion was a standout theme.

Standing Ovations, Powerful Premieres and Emotional Cinema:

The 2026 Cannes Film Festival upheld its tradition of celebrating artistic excellence with premieres that received acclaim for their emotional depth and social relevance. Notable films addressed themes like artificial intelligence, mental health, climate change, war journalism, identity politics, and human relationships. Directors explored immersive storytelling, cinematic realism, and bold visuals. Audiences and critics praised films examining digital transformation and emotional disconnect in our hyperconnected world.

Luxury Brands and Fashion Houses Elevate Cannes 2026:

In addition to its focus on cinema, Cannes 2026 emerged as a global stage for luxury brands and top-tier fashion houses. International designers teamed up with celebrities to create exclusive red-carpet outfits, while high-end beauty and jewelry brands organized prestigious after-parties and yacht gatherings.

Luxury hospitality brands experienced unprecedented demand as celebrities, executives, influencers, and media professionals flocked to Cannes for networking events, film markets, and brand partnerships.

Fashion analysts observed that Cannes 2026 signaled a growing trend towards sustainable luxury and bespoke couture experiences. Custom-designed outfits inspired by art, architecture, and cinema became prevalent throughout the festival.

Cannes 2026 Reinforces Its Position as the World’s Biggest Cinema and Fashion Celebration:

As the curtains draw to a close on another memorable edition, the 2026 Cannes Film Festival leaves a significant legacy of cinematic innovation, global collaboration, artistic freedom, and fashion excellence. The festival once more demonstrated that cinema is one of the world's most influential cultural forces, capable of bringing together audiences across languages, borders, and generations. Featuring unforgettable premieres, iconic red-carpet moments, emerging international talent, and groundbreaking storytelling, Cannes 2026 will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in modern entertainment history.

#festivaldecannes #cannes2026 #luxe #event #art #entertainment #celbrities