National Film Awards facts for kids

The National Film Awards are super important awards given in India for amazing movies. They celebrate the best films, actors, directors, and more! These awards started way back in 1954. They are given out every year to honor the best movies made in India.

The NFDC organizes these awards. Before 2021, a different group called the Directorate of Film Festivals managed them. Each year, a special group of experts chosen by the government picks the winners. The big award ceremony happens in New Delhi. The President of India gives out the awards. After the ceremony, there's a film festival where everyone can watch the winning movies. These awards are special because they honor the best films from all over India, in many different languages.

How the Awards Started

The National Film Awards began in 1954. The Government of India created them to celebrate films from all parts of India. The goal was to encourage Indian art and culture through movies. From 1973 to 2020, the Indian Directorate of Film Festivals organized the event. Since 2021, the National Film Development Corporation of India has been in charge.

How Films Are Chosen

The National Film Awards have two main types of films: Feature Films (like the movies you see in cinemas) and Non-Feature Films (like documentaries). The judges are chosen by the NFDC. The government does not tell the judges which films to pick.

There are strict rules for a film to be considered for an award. For example, the people who make the film, especially the director, must be Indian citizens. The films must also be made in India. If a film is made with a foreign company, there are special rules it needs to follow. To be eligible, a film must have been approved by the Central Board of Film Certification between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year.

Awards Ceremonies Over the Years

The awards have been given out for many years. Here are a few examples of the first winners:

Different Award Categories

The awards are divided into three main groups: Feature Films, Non-Feature Films, and Best Writing on Cinema. These awards encourage great filmmaking and help people learn about India's different cultures. They also promote unity across the country. The "Best Writing on Cinema" awards encourage people to study and appreciate movies as an art form.

There's also a very special award called the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. It's given to a film personality for their amazing contributions to Indian cinema over their lifetime. This award is named after Dadasaheb Phalke, who is known as the father of Indian cinema.

All winners receive a medal, money, and a certificate. Some top awards get a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus Award). Other awards receive a Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus Award).

Lifetime Achievement Awards

This award celebrates people who have made a huge difference in Indian cinema over many years.

Feature Film Awards

These awards are for the longer movies you usually see in theaters.

Non-Feature Film Awards

These awards are for shorter films, like documentaries or animated shorts.

Writing on Cinema Awards

These awards are for books and articles that help people understand and enjoy movies more.

Films with the Most Awards

Some films have won many National Film Awards! Here are a few of the top winners:

See also

In Spanish: National Film Awards para niños