69th National Film Awards: When is the announcement, who are the top contenders and here's how to watch it live online

The much-awaited 69th National Film Awards are set to be unveiled today through a press conference by the esteemed Jury at the National Media Center in New Delhi. Speculation and excitement surround this event, with various names circulating as potential awardees. According to reports, the event will be telecasted live on PIB India's Facebook page and its YouTube channel.

In the limelight this year are Alia Bhatt and Kangana Ranaut, with their outstanding performances in 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' and 'Thalaivi,' respectively, making them strong contenders for the Best Actress accolade. Notable mentions also include the Malayalam film 'Nayattu' and R Madhavan's remarkable portrayal in 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect.' However, these speculations remain unofficial until the curtain is lifted during Thursday evening's disclosure.

In the previous year, the Best Actor Award for 2020 saw a shared victory, with Suriya honored for 'Soorarai Pottru' and Ajay Devgn recognized for his role in the Hindi movie 'Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior.'


Originating in 1954, the National Film Awards stand as a highly esteemed and eagerly anticipated event within the country. These awards culminate in a ceremony where the Honorable President of India bestows the honors, culminating in screenings of the award-winning films for the public to enjoy.

Throughout its history, the awards have expanded in number. Initially named 'State Awards,' they commenced with two President's Gold Medals, two certificates of merit, and silver medals for a dozen regional films. In the initial six years, the practice was to award the Regional Best Award to the National Best Film itself. Over time, the awards portfolio expanded further.

A milestone was achieved in 1968 when separate awards were instituted for artists and technicians, acknowledging excellence in cinema. Nargis Dutt and Uttam Kumar claimed the coveted titles of Best Actress (then 'Urvashi') and Best Actor (then 'Bharat') respectively, setting the precedent.

The National Film Awards are presented across three categories: Features, Non-Features, and Best Writing on Cinema. While winners in the Features and Non-Features categories are celebrated for their cinematic achievements, the 'Best Writing on Cinema' section promotes the appreciation and exploration of cinema as an art form. It encourages the dissemination of information and critical analysis through various mediums such as books, articles, reviews, newspaper coverage, and scholarly studies.

As the nation eagerly awaits the announcement of the 69th National Film Awards, the stage is set to honor outstanding contributions to the world of cinema and artistic expression.