National Film Awards move out of Delhi after 72 years
The National Film Awards will move out of New Delhi for the first time in 72 years, marking a significant break from a tradition that began in 1954. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has confirmed that the 72nd edition will take place in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the honours on 22 September 2026.
The shift ends decades of continuity at Vigyan Bhawan, which has hosted the ceremony since its inception. The relocation is being positioned as part of a wider cultural‑tourism push around Ekta Nagar, now a recurring venue for major national events.
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Industry response has centred on the scale of the change rather than the logistics, with the move signalling a broader decentralisation of legacy government ceremonies. The awards programme itself remains unchanged, with all categories and jury processes continuing as scheduled.
