Summary
Unveiling the 71st National Film Awards 2023 Winners
The 71st National Film Awards 2023 winners list has finally been revealed, and it’s a moment of pride for Indian cinema! Announced on August 1, 2025, in New Delhi, this prestigious event celebrated the finest cinematic achievements of 2023, with standout performances and innovative storytelling taking center stage.
From Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey sharing the Best Actor honor to Rani Mukerji clinching Best Actress, the awards showcased a blend of Bollywood brilliance and regional talent. With 332 feature film entries, 115 non-feature films, 27 books, and 16 critics’ submissions, the jury, led by Ashutosh Gowariker, has set a new benchmark. Let’s dive into the highlights, including the Best Feature Film 12th Fail, and discover why this year’s awards are making headlines.
A Stellar Lineup: Top Acting Honors Steal the Show
The 71st National Film Awards 2023 winners list is dominated by exceptional acting talent. Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood’s iconic “Badshah,” won his first-ever National Film Award for Best Actor for his powerful role in Jawan, sharing the accolade with Vikrant Massey for his heartfelt performance in 12th Fail. This marks a historic moment for Shah Rukh, who returned to the big screen in 2023 after a four-year hiatus with Pathaan and followed it with the blockbuster Jawan.
Despite recovering from an injury sustained during the shoot of his upcoming film King, Shah Rukh expressed his gratitude in a heartfelt video, thanking fans, the jury, and director Atlee. Vikrant Massey’s win for 12th Fail further cements the film’s critical acclaim, reflecting his journey from an orphaned young boy deemed unfit for hero roles to a National Award winner.
Rani Mukerji also made history by winning her first National Film Award for Best Actress for her emotional portrayal in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. The film, based on a true story of an Indian mother’s fight for her children’s custody, resonated deeply with audiences. Rani dedicated her award to mothers worldwide, highlighting the unconditional love and strength depicted in the narrative. This trio of acting wins underscores the diversity and depth of Indian cinema in 2023.
Best Feature Film and Beyond: 12th Fail Leads the Pack
12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, emerged as the Best Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards 2023 winners list, a testament to its inspiring story of resilience and determination. The film, which chronicles the life of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, captivated both critics and viewers, earning Vikrant Massey additional praise. Beyond feature films, the awards celebrated non-feature and documentary categories with Flowering Man winning Best Non-Feature Film and God Vulture and Human taking the Best Documentary award. Both films marked their debut National Award wins, showcasing the richness of India’s cinematic landscape.
Supporting Acts and Technical Excellence
The supporting categories shone brightly with veteran actor Vijayaraghavan and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar sharing the Best Supporting Actor award for their roles in Pookkaalam and Parking, respectively. The Best Supporting Actress honor went to Urvashi for Ullozhukku and Janki Bodiwala for Vash, highlighting the strength of regional cinema. In the technical realm, Hanu-Man was adjudged the Best Film in AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comic), while Giddh The Scavenger bagged the Best Short Film award. These wins reflect the growing influence of innovative storytelling and technical prowess in Indian films.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Inspiring Journey to National Glory
Shah Rukh Khan’s win at the 71st National Film Awards 2023 winners list is a story of perseverance. Orphaned at a young age and once told he wasn’t “hero material,” Shah Rukh turned down roles rejected by bigger stars, paving his way to global stardom with films grossing over ₹7,500 crore. His 2023 comeback with Pathaan and Jawan—the latter earning ₹1,100 crore worldwide—culminated in this prestigious recognition. In his video message, recorded while recovering from an injury with his arm in a sling, Shah Rukh humorously promised fans a return to theaters, thanking Atlee and his team for trusting him with a role worthy of a National Award.
Rani Mukerji’s Emotional Triumph
Rani Mukerji’s Best Actress win for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway is a career-defining moment. Her portrayal of a mother battling a foreign system to protect her children struck a chord, earning her widespread acclaim. Rani’s dedication of the award to mothers globally adds a touching layer to her achievement, reinforcing her 30-year legacy in Bollywood. This win, her first National Award, validates her passion and spiritual connection to her craft.
71st National Film Awards 2023: Regional and Technical Highlights
The 71st National Film Awards 2023 winners list also celebrated regional cinema and technical excellence. Hanu-Man’s win in the AVGC category highlights the rise of animation and visual effects in Telugu cinema, while Giddh The Scavenger’s Best Short Film award showcases emerging talent. The jury, chaired by Ashutosh Gowariker (Feature Films) and P. Sheshadri (Non-Feature Films), along with Dr. Ajay Nagabhushan MN and Mattu J. P. Singh, ensured a thorough evaluation of the 332 feature film and 115 non-feature film entries, making this a truly inclusive celebration.
The Road to Recognition: Award Process and Impact
The 71st National Film Awards, announced at 7:41 PM IST on August 1, 2025, by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Delhi, evaluated films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31, 2023. With a record number of submissions, the jury’s meticulous process reflects the awards’ credibility. These honors not only recognize artistic merit but also boost the global visibility of Indian cinema, inspiring future filmmakers and actors.
What This Means for Indian Cinema
The 71st National Film Awards 2023 winners list underscores Indian cinema’s diversity and resilience. Shah Rukh Khan’s first National Award, Vikrant Massey’s rise, and Rani Mukerji’s emotional win highlight Bollywood’s strength, while regional films like Ullozhukku and Parking showcase cultural richness. The technical awards signal a bright future for animation and short films, promising a vibrant industry ahead. For fans, this is a moment to celebrate the stars and stories that define Indian storytelling.
Final Thoughts on 71st National Film Awards 2023: A Milestone for Indian Cinema
The 71st National Film Awards 2023 winners list is a celebration of talent, perseverance, and creativity. From 12th Fail’s Best Feature Film win to Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, and Rani Mukerji’s acting triumphs, this year’s awards mark a significant milestone. As Shah Rukh recovers and prepares for his next venture, and Rani inspires with her dedication, the industry looks forward to a future fueled by such excellence. Whether you’re a cinephile or an investor in entertainment stocks, this event signals a golden era for Indian cinema—keep watching!
71st National Film Awards 2023: Key Highlights to Love
- Best Feature Film: 12th Fail shines as the top winner.
- Best Actors: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail) share the honor.
- Best Actress: Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway) makes her mark.
- Supporting Wins: Vijayaraghavan, Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar, Urvashi, and Janki Bodiwala excel.
- Innovative Categories: Hanu-Man and Giddh The Scavenger lead in AVGC and Short Film.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and reflects the excitement around the 71st National Film Awards 2023 winners list. Stay tuned for more updates on Indian cinema!
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – 71st National Film Awards 2023
Q1: When were the 71st National Film Awards for 2023 announced?
The awards were announced on August 1, 2025.
Q2: Which film won the Best Feature Film award?
12th Fail won the award for Best Feature Film.
Q3: Who received the Best Actor award in a leading role?
Shah Rukh Khan won for Jawan, and Vikrant Massey won for 12th Fail. Both were jointly honoured.
Q4: Who won the Best Actress award in a leading role?
Rani Mukerji received the award for Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway.
Q5: Which film received the award for Best Non-Feature Film?
Flowering Man was honoured with the Best Non-Feature Film award.
Q6: What is the Best Documentary Film of 2023?
God Vulture and Human won the award for Best Documentary.
Q7: Who were awarded Best Supporting Actor?
Vijayaraghavan and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar were awarded Best Supporting Actor.
Q8: Who won the Best Supporting Actress award?
Urvashi and Janki Bodiwala received the Best Supporting Actress award.
Q9: Which film was awarded Best Film in AVGC category?
Hanu-Man won in the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) category.
Q10: Which short film won at the National Film Awards?
Giddh – The Scavenger won the award for Best Short Film.
Q11: How many entries were received in different categories for the 71st National Film Awards?
There were 332 entries in the feature film category, 115 in non-feature films, 27 books, and 16 critics’ submissions.
Q12: Was this Shah Rukh Khan’s first National Film Award?
Yes, this is Shah Rukh Khan’s first-ever National Film Award in his career.
Q13: What did Shah Rukh Khan say after winning the award?
Shah Rukh Khan expressed gratitude, saying it was a moment he would cherish for a lifetime. Despite recovering from an injury, he thanked his fans and especially director Atlee for believing in him for Jawan.
Q14: Who announced the 71st National Film Awards?
The announcement was made by Shri Ashutosh Gowariker (Feature Film Jury Chairperson), Shri P. Sheshadri (Non-Feature Film Jury Chairperson), and Dr. Ajay Nagabhushan MN, Joint Secretary (Films).
