The 71st National Film Awards ceremony is being held today, September 23, 2025, in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu is presenting the awards to the winners at Vigyan Bhawan. The ceremony celebrates the best of Indian cinema from 2023. The event is being streamed live on DD News YouTube channel.

Among the honorees, Shah Rukh Khan is receiving his first-ever National Award for his performance in the film "Jawan". This marks a significant milestone in his 33-year career. Many have congratulated Shah Rukh Khan on this achievement. Imtiaz Ali defended Shah Rukh Khan's win amidst some controversy, emphasizing it as a proud moment. A dialogue from one of Shah Rukh Khan's films has also gone viral, as fans connect it with his National Award win.

Rani Mukerji is also being honored with the Best Actress award for her role in "Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway". The film tells the story of an Indian mother fighting to get her children back from Norway's foster care system. Rani Mukerji dedicated her award to all the mothers of the world. This is also Rani Mukerji's first National Award.

In addition to Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, Vikrant Massey is sharing the Best Actor award for his performance in "12th Fail". "12th Fail" also won the Best Feature Film award.

Other notable winners include:

• Mohanlal, who is being conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
• "Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery," which won Best Hindi Film.
• "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani," which won Best Popular Film for wholesome entertainment.
• "Sam Bahadur," which was named best feature film promoting national, social and environmental values.
• GV Prakash Kumar, who won Best Music Direction for "Vaathi".
• Shilpa Rao and PVNS Rohit, who won Best Playback Singers for songs in "Jawan" and "Baby" respectively.
• "Pookalam," which was selected for the Best Editing Award.
• "Naal 2," which was given the award for Best Children's Film.
• "The Kerala Story," which won the Best Cinematography Award and Sudipto Sen won Best Director for the film.

Ekta Kapoor is also being honored for her contribution to Indian television and film. Niladri Roy is being conferred with the award for 'Best Editing' in the Non-Feature Films category for 'Moving Focus'. Yeshoda Prakash's 'Kandeelu - The Ray of Hope' is being conferred with the award for the 'Best Kannada Film'.