The 72nd National Film Awards will be presented at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat, on 22 September 2026, marking a major departure from the long-standing practice of holding the ceremony in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu will present the awards to filmmakers, actors, technicians and other artists. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has decided to take the National Film Awards beyond the national capital, with future editions to be held in different cities and states across India. The move is intended to bring the country's premier cinema awards closer to different regions and showcase India's linguistic, cultural and cinematic diversity. The 2026 ceremony will honour films released in 2024. Article 370 has been selected as the Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam will receive the Best Actress award for the same film. Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan will jointly receive the Best Actor award for Bramayugam and Chandu Champion, respectively.