A glittering awards night at IFFD 2026 brought together Bollywood icons and global talent to celebrate cinematic excellence. Mohit Suri, Anupam Kher, Bhumi Pednekar and Ranveer Singh emerged as key winners, while films like Saiyaara and Sitaare Zameen Par received top honours at Delhi’s prestigious cultural event.
The International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026 reached a high point with its much-anticipated Night of Honours at Bharat Mandapam. The event showcased India’s evolving cinematic landscape, blending mainstream success with meaningful storytelling and global collaboration.
Celebrating Cinematic Excellence
The Night of Honours recognized standout films and performances across categories. “Saiyaara,” directed by Mohit Suri, was awarded Pathbreaking Film of the Year, while “Sitaare Zameen Par” earned the title of Most Inspiring Film.
“Dhurandhar,” backed by Jio Studios, dominated the PVR Best of 2025 awards, with Ranveer Singh winning Best Actor and Aditya Dhar being named Best Director.
Big Wins And Special Recognitions
-
Veteran actor-director Anupam Kher secured Best Direction for “Tanvi The Great,” while newcomer Shubhangi Dutt was honoured as Best Debut Actor.
-
Bhumi Pednekar received the “Actor with a Mission” award for her impactful work with the United Nations Development Programme, highlighting cinema’s role in social change.
-
Legendary filmmaker Ramesh Sippy was celebrated for 50 years of “Sholay,” marking a milestone in Indian film history.
Beyond Mainstream Cinema
The festival also honoured diverse contributions. Dimple Dugar was recognized for preserving cinematic history, while filmmakers like Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Sunit Tandon were acknowledged for shaping IFFD’s vision. International participation included actor Enrique Arce and delegates from the Singapore International Film Festival.
Vision For Delhi As Cultural Hub
Delhi leaders emphasized cinema’s cultural significance. Officials highlighted the festival’s role in positioning Delhi as a global cultural capital, fostering storytelling, innovation, and international collaboration. The event also spotlighted emerging trends like AI filmmaking and youth engagement through workshops and hackathons.
Key Highlights
-
Saiyaara wins Pathbreaking Film of the Year
-
Sitaare Zameen Par named Most Inspiring Film
-
Ranveer Singh awarded Best Actor for Dhurandhar
-
Anupam Kher wins Best Direction for Tanvi The Great
-
Bhumi Pednekar honoured for social impact work
-
Ramesh Sippy celebrated for 50 years of Sholay
-
IFFD highlights AI filmmaking and global participation
Sources: The Tribune India article on IFFD Night of Honours 2026
Sources: The Tribune India article on IFFD Night of Honours 2026The International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026 reached a high point with its much-anticipated Night of Honours at Bharat Mandapam. The event showcased India’s evolving cinematic landscape, blending mainstream success with meaningful storytelling and global collaboration.
Celebrating Cinematic Excellence
The Night of Honours recognized standout films and performances across categories. “Saiyaara,” directed by Mohit Suri, was awarded Pathbreaking Film of the Year, while “Sitaare Zameen Par” earned the title of Most Inspiring Film.
“Dhurandhar,” backed by Jio Studios, dominated the PVR Best of 2025 awards, with Ranveer Singh winning Best Actor and Aditya Dhar being named Best Director.
Big Wins And Special Recognitions
Veteran actor-director Anupam Kher secured Best Direction for “Tanvi The Great,” while newcomer Shubhangi Dutt was honoured as Best Debut Actor.
Bhumi Pednekar received the “Actor with a Mission” award for her impactful work with the United Nations Development Programme, highlighting cinema’s role in social change.
Legendary filmmaker Ramesh Sippy was celebrated for 50 years of “Sholay,” marking a milestone in Indian film history.
Beyond Mainstream Cinema
The festival also honoured diverse contributions. Dimple Dugar was recognized for preserving cinematic history, while filmmakers like Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Sunit Tandon were acknowledged for shaping IFFD’s vision. International participation included actor Enrique Arce and delegates from the Singapore International Film Festival.
Vision For Delhi As Cultural Hub
Delhi leaders emphasized cinema’s cultural significance. Officials highlighted the festival’s role in positioning Delhi as a global cultural capital, fostering storytelling, innovation, and international collaboration. The event also spotlighted emerging trends like AI filmmaking and youth engagement through workshops and hackathons.
Key Highlights
Saiyaara wins Pathbreaking Film of the Year
Sitaare Zameen Par named Most Inspiring Film
Ranveer Singh awarded Best Actor for Dhurandhar
Anupam Kher wins Best Direction for Tanvi The Great
Bhumi Pednekar honoured for social impact work
Ramesh Sippy celebrated for 50 years of Sholay
IFFD highlights AI filmmaking and global participation
Sources: The Tribune India article on IFFD Night of Honours 2026
