The National Film Awards are poised to break a long-standing tradition by hosting their official presentation ceremony outside the nation's capital. Ekta Nagar, located in Gujarat and home to the iconic Statue of Unity, has been slated as the proposed host site for the 72nd edition.

• Traditional Location: The annual honours have historically taken place at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, where the President of India traditionally confers the awards upon recipients.

• Presidential Visit: President Droupadi Murmu is expected to present the trophies to honourees during a scheduled visit to Gujarat later this month.

Recap of Key 72nd National Film Award Winners

While the ceremony location represents a new development, the winners for feature and non-feature films released in 2024 were officially announced earlier in New Delhi:

• Best Feature Film: Article 370

• Best Actress: Yami Gautam

• Best Actor (Shared): Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan

• Best Direction (Non-Feature): Aanand L. Rai for Statue of Unity – Ekta ka Prateek

The choice of Ekta Nagar aligns with the recognition of Rai’s documentary on the landmark monument, bridging the ceremony's location directly with award-winning non-feature cinema.