The National Film Awards were first presented in 1954, recognizing cinematic achievements in India.

Chetan Anand's Neecha Nagar won the first National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 1954.

Dilip Kumar was the first recipient of the National Film Award for Best Actor, for his performance in the 1954 film Azaad.

Nargis won the first National Film Award for Best Actress, for her performance in the 1954 film Raat Aur Din.

Anubhav Sinha's Article 15 won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 2020.

Amitabh Bachchan was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, in 2019.

Bong Joon-ho's Parasite won the National Film Award for Best Foreign Film in 2018.

Village Rockstars, directed by Rima Das, won the National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film in 2017.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2016 for his performance in the film Bajrangi Bhaijaan.

Nachom-ia Kumpasar, directed by Rima Das, won the National Film Award for Best Children's Film in 2015.

Ravi K. Chandran won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography in 2014 for his work in the film Barfi!

Paan Singh Tomar, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, won the National Film Award for Best Screenplay in 2013.

A. R. Rahman won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction in 2012 for his work in the film Rockstar.

Udaan, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, won the National Film Award for Best Editing in 2011.

Nitin Chandrakant Desai won the National Film Award for Best Art Direction in 2010 for his work in the film Jodhaa Akbar.