Mumbai: Actor Yami Gautam has won the Best Actress honour at the 72nd National Film Awards for her performance in the political action thriller Article 370, marking the first National Award of her career. The announcement was made on Saturday as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting revealed the winners of India’s most prestigious film honours, recognising films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during 2024.
The victory is a major milestone for Yami Gautam, whose portrayal of intelligence officer Zooni Haksar in Article 370 earned widespread critical acclaim. The film also emerged as one of the biggest winners at the awards, securing the Best Feature Film honour, further cementing its position as one of the standout Indian films of the year.
Yami Gautam receives her first National Award
Yami Gautam’s Best Actress win comes after more than a decade in the Indian film industry. Since making her Bollywood debut with Vicky Donor in 2012, she has built a diverse filmography across Hindi cinema while also working in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Punjabi films.
Her performance in Article 370 was praised for its intensity and restraint as she portrayed an intelligence officer tasked with carrying out a high-stakes mission linked to the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Critics highlighted her commanding screen presence and convincing portrayal, making her one of the strongest contenders during the awards season.
The National Film Award is regarded as the highest official recognition for cinematic excellence in India, making the honour a defining moment in Gautam’s acting career.
‘Article 370’ dominates the awards
Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale and produced by B62 Studios and Jio Studios, Article 370 not only secured the Best Actress award but also won the Best Feature Film award at the 72nd National Film Awards. The recognition reflects the jury’s appreciation of the film’s storytelling, performances and technical execution.
Released in February 2024, the political thriller is based on the events surrounding the revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. The film features Yami Gautam in the lead role alongside Priyamani and several supporting actors.
The movie enjoyed commercial success at the box office and generated extensive discussions for its political backdrop and narrative approach.
Awards celebrate 2024’s best films
The 72nd National Film Awards honoured films certified by the CBFC between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Apart from Yami Gautam’s Best Actress win, Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty shared the Best Actor award for their performances, while several films across regional languages received recognition in various categories.
The National Film Awards recognise achievements across feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema. Winners are selected by independent juries appointed by the Government of India, making the awards among the country’s most respected honours for filmmakers and artists.
A landmark achievement for the actor
Winning a National Film Award is expected to further strengthen Yami Gautam’s standing in the Indian film industry. Over the years, she has delivered acclaimed performances in films such as Vicky Donor, Kaabil, Uri: The Surgical Strike, A Thursday, Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga and Article 370.
Her latest honour acknowledges both her performance in Article 370 and her consistent growth as an actor capable of taking on challenging and unconventional roles.
With Article 370 also winning Best Feature Film, the film has emerged as one of the biggest success stories at the 72nd National Film Awards, highlighting its impact on Indian cinema during the eligibility period.
