National Film Awards: Akshay Kumar Wins Best Actor, Special Mention For Sonam Kapoor

New Delhi: The National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi today and Akshay Kumar has won his first National Award for Best Actor for his work in the 2016 film Rustom. Rustom, based on the real life Nanavati case that led to the scrapping of the jury in India's legal system, starred Akshay as a naval officer accused of murdering his wife's lover. The 49-year-old star's omission from the Filmfare Awards Best Actor category prompted outrage recently - his National Award win is likely to pacify his fans. Rustom released to middling reviews last year but Akshay Kumar's performance was singled out for critical praise.

In a video message, Akshay Kumar said "thank you is a very small word right now" and that he is "humbled by this honour."
 

 

A post shared by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) on Apr 7, 2017 at 12:59am PDT

National Film Awards jury chief head Priyadarshan said that Akshay Kumar's competition for Best Actor was Mohanlal, who received the Jury award. "Three films of Mohanlal and two of Akshay, Airlift and Rustom, and we felt Akshay showed a range from playing a real life character and doing a tailor-made role," Priyadarshan said.

Rakesh Mapuskar won Best Director for the Marathi film Ventilator, produced by Priyanka Chopra. Kasav, also in Marathi, won Best Feature Film.

Actress Sonam Kapoor received a special mention for her film Neerja, which was named Best Hindi Film. Dangal's Zaira Wasim won Best Supporting Actress. Actor Adil Hussain received special mention for his film Muktii Bhawan, which released today. Malayalam star Mohanlal received the Jury award. Ajay Devgn's Shivaay won the award for Best Special Effects.

Pink, starring Amitabh Bachchan, won Best Film on Social Issues.

Bisarjan won Best Bengali Film, Dashakriya was named Best Marathi Film, and Reservation won Best Kannada Film. Joker won Best Tamil Film and Wrong Side Raju was named Best Gujarati Film.

Nagesh Kukunoor's Dhanak won Best Children's Film.

The Tiger Who Crossed The Line won Best Environmental Film.

Uttar Pradesh was named the 'Most Film Friendly State.' Special mention in this category went to Jharkhand.

Iman Chakraborty won Best Female Playback Singer.

Here are all the winners:

Swarna Kamal

Best Feature Film: Kasav (Marathi)
Best Debut Film of A Director: Khalifa (Bengali)
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Sathamanam Bhavati (Telugu)
Best Children's Film: Dhanak (Hindi)
Best Direction: Rajesh Mapuskar For Ventilator

Rajat Kamal

Best Actor: Akshay Kumar For Rustom
Best Actress: Surabhi Lakshmi For Minnaminunge
Best Supporting Actor: Manoj Joshi For Dashkriya
Best Supporting Actress: Zaira Wasim For Dangal
Best Child Artist: Manohara For Railway Children
Best Male Playback Singer: Sundara Iyer For Joker
Best Female Playback Singer: Emaan Chakraborty For Praktan
Best Cinematography: Tirru
Best Screenplay (Original): Syam Pushkaran For Maheshinte Prathikaaram Best Screenplay (Adapted): Sanjay Krishnaji Patel For Dashakriya
Best Film on Other Social Issues: Pink
Best Film on Environment/Conservation/Preservation: The Tiger Who Crossed The Line
Best Editing: Rameshwar S. Bhagat For Ventilator
Best Art Direction: 24
Best Costume Design: Sachin
Best Music Direction (Songs): Bapu Padmanabha/Bapu Flute Allama
Best Lyrics: Vairamuthu For Dharma Durai song Vantha Entha Pakkam
Best Special Effects: Shivaay

Regional Awards

Best Bengali Film: Bisarjan
Best Gujarati Film: Wrong Side Raju
Best Hindi Film: Neerja
Best Kannada Film: Reservation
Best Malayalam Film: Maheshinte Prathikaaram
Best Marathi Film: Dashakriya
Best Tamil Film: Joker
Best Telugu Film: Pelli Choopulu