Actor Sanjay Mishra is set to receive the Best Supporting Actor award at the 72nd National Film Awards, being held on 22 September 2026 in Kevadia, Gujarat. Speaking on the red carpet, Mishra attributed his ability to portray layered characters to a disciplined practice of staying grounded and observing the world around him.

What Sanjay Mishra Said

Walking the red carpet at the ceremony, Mishra reflected on his craft in remarks to Prasar Bharati. 'I make a conscious effort to observe the world to observe the people around me only then I will stay grounded,' he said. He added: 'I am a very simple guy but my characters are far from simple, and because of that it manages to reach out to so many people, and touch so many lives. I am extremely grateful for that.'

Mishra's philosophy underscores a recurring theme among India's most celebrated character actors — that authenticity on screen is rooted in lived observation, not performative technique. His body of work, spanning comic and dramatic roles over three decades, has earned him a cult following well before this national recognition.

The Ceremony and Key Honours

The 72nd National Film Awards recognise the best of Indian cinema from 2024. President Droupadi Murmu is conferring the awards at the function in Kevadia, Gujarat.

'Article 370' has been named Best Feature Film, with Yami Gautam winning Best Actress for her performance in the film. The Best Actor honour is shared by Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty, recognised for 'Bramayugam', and Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan, feted for the sports biopic 'Chandu Champion'.

Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Direction for 'Amaran', while Randeep Hooda received the Best Debut Director award for 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar'. 'Kalki 2898 AD' took home Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. In the non-feature category, 'Bhangaar' won Best Non-Feature Film and 'Ram-Nami' was named Best Documentary.

Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Veteran actor Anant Nag is being honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, in acknowledgement of his decades-long contribution to the craft.

Significance of the 72nd Edition

The National Film Awards remain Indian cinema's most authoritative state recognition, spanning regional, documentary, and mainstream film. This year's slate reflects a notable cross-regional spread — with Malayalam, Bollywood, and Tamil productions all securing top honours — reinforcing the growing national footprint of non-Hindi cinema. With the Dadasaheb Phalke going to Anant Nag, Kannada cinema receives a long-overdue spotlight at the national stage.