1st National Film Awards

The 1st National Film Awards, held in 1954, marked the inaugural ceremony of India's prestigious awards aimed at recognizing excellence in Indian cinema. Organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, this event was established to honor films released in 1953. The ceremony acknowledged both feature and non-feature films across various categories, reflecting the diversification and growth of the Indian film industry. Notably, Pather Panchali, directed by Satyajit Ray, received the award for Best Feature Film, signifying a pivotal moment in Indian cinema. The National Film Awards have since evolved into a significant platform for celebrating creativity and fostering talent in the Indian film landscape.