National Film Awards Prize Money: When Did Cash Rewards Begin and How Much Was the First Prize?

The National Film Awards have a remarkable history spanning more than seven decades. Established in 1954, the awards were initially known as the State Awards for Films before later being renamed the National Film Awards.

Over the years, the prestigious awards have evolved significantly, with new categories being introduced and more artists and technicians being recognised for their contribution to Indian cinema.

The awards were established with the aim of encouraging excellence in filmmaking while celebrating India's diverse culture and cinematic traditions.

The 72nd National Film Awards will be presented on September 22, 2026. Winners will receive certificates along with Gold or Silver Lotus medals and cash prizes. But was prize money always part of the National Film Awards? And how much did winners receive when cash awards were first introduced?

When did cash prizes begin?

The National Film Awards were instituted in 1954. In the initial years, winners received a medal and a certificate, with the awards primarily recognising directors.

Cash prizes were not awarded between 1954 and 1956. The monetary component was introduced when the awards were reinstated in 1957.

The first cash prize was ₹5,000.

At the time, the awards were still in their early stages, and recognition rather than monetary reward remained their primary purpose.

How has the prize money changed over the years?

The cash component of the National Film Awards has increased considerably over the decades.

In 1957, the prize money was ₹5,000. It was increased to ₹10,000 in 1967, a figure that remained unchanged until 1973.

The amount was subsequently revised to ₹15,000 at the 22nd National Film Awards in 1974. By the 25th National Film Awards in 1977, the prize money had increased further to ₹20,000.

The awards continued to become more financially rewarding.

In 1980, the prize for the Best Director was increased to ₹50,000.

By the 54th National Film Awards in 2006, the amount had risen to ₹2.5 lakh.

For the 72nd National Film Awards, the highest prize money mentioned is ₹3 lakh, while the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award receives ₹1 lakh according to the figures cited in the report.

Actors were introduced to the awards later

The National Film Awards initially focused on directors. From 1954 to 1967, directors were the primary recipients of the honours.

This changed in 1968, when actors and other contributors to filmmaking began receiving recognition through the awards.

The first National Award for acting was presented to Bengali superstar Uttam Kumar for his performance in Antony Firingee. Nargis was honoured with the Best Actress award for Raat Aur Din.

Since then, the acting categories have become an important part of the National Film Awards, alongside recognition for various technical and creative contributions.

Directors National Film Awards Prize Money: When Did Cash Rewards Begin and How Much Was the First Prize?

The National Film Awards have a remarkable history spanning more than seven decades. Established in 1954, the awards were initially known as the State Awards for Films before later being renamed the National Film Awards.

Over the years, the prestigious awards have evolved significantly, with new categories being introduced and more artists and technicians being recognised for their contribution to Indian cinema.

The awards were established with the aim of encouraging excellence in filmmaking while celebrating India's diverse culture and cinematic traditions.

The 72nd National Film Awards will be presented on September 22, 2026. Winners will receive certificates along with Gold or Silver Lotus medals and cash prizes. But was prize money always part of the National Film Awards? And how much did winners receive when cash awards were first introduced?

When did cash prizes begin?

The National Film Awards were instituted in 1954. In the initial years, winners received a medal and a certificate, with the awards primarily recognising directors.

Cash prizes were not awarded between 1954 and 1956. The monetary component was introduced when the awards were reinstated in 1957.

The first cash prize was ₹5,000.

At the time, the awards were still in their early stages, and recognition rather than monetary reward remained their primary purpose.

How has the prize money changed over the years?

The cash component of the National Film Awards has increased considerably over the decades.

In 1957, the prize money was ₹5,000. It was increased to ₹10,000 in 1967, a figure that remained unchanged until 1973.

The amount was subsequently revised to ₹15,000 at the 22nd National Film Awards in 1974. By the 25th National Film Awards in 1977, the prize money had increased further to ₹20,000.

The awards continued to become more financially rewarding.

In 1980, the prize for the Best Director was increased to ₹50,000.

By the 54th National Film Awards in 2006, the amount had risen to ₹2.5 lakh.

For the 72nd National Film Awards, the highest prize money mentioned is ₹3 lakh, while the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award receives ₹1 lakh according to the figures cited in the report.

Actors were introduced to the awards later

The National Film Awards initially focused on directors. From 1954 to 1967, directors were the primary recipients of the honours.

This changed in 1968, when actors and other contributors to filmmaking began receiving recognition through the awards.

The first National Award for acting was presented to Bengali superstar Uttam Kumar for his performance in Antony Firingee. Nargis was honoured with the Best Actress award for Raat Aur Din.

Since then, the acting categories have become an important part of the National Film Awards, alongside recognition for various technical and creative contributions.

Directors still receive higher prize money

Interestingly, the monetary rewards at the National Film Awards do not necessarily follow the popularity hierarchy of the film industry.

According to the figures cited in the report, the Best Feature Film award currently carries prize money of ₹3 lakh, while the Best Actor award carries ₹2 lakh.

The awards have therefore evolved from a system that primarily recognised directors with medals and certificates into a much broader national honour covering actors, filmmakers, technicians and other contributors to Indian cinema.

From the first ₹5,000 cash prize introduced in 1957 to the substantially higher rewards offered today, the journey of the National Film Awards reflects how India's most prestigious film honours have evolved over the decades.

still receive higher prize money

Interestingly, the monetary rewards at the National Film Awards do not necessarily follow the popularity hierarchy of the film industry.

According to the figures cited in the report, the Best Feature Film award currently carries prize money of ₹3 lakh, while the Best Actor award carries ₹2 lakh.

The awards have therefore evolved from a system that primarily recognised directors with medals and certificates into a much broader national honour covering actors, filmmakers, technicians and other contributors to Indian cinema.

From the first ₹5,000 cash prize introduced in 1957 to the substantially higher rewards offered today, the journey of the National Film Awards reflects how India's most prestigious film honours have evolved over the decades.