National Film Awards: Akshay Wins Best Actor, Special Mention For Sonam

Akshay Kumar, Best Actor, won his first National Award
Sonam kapoor won Special Mention Award for Neerja
Zaira Wasim won Best Supporting Actress Award for Dangal

The National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi today and Akshay Kumar has won his first National Award for Best Actor for his work in the 2016 film Rustom. Rustom, based on the real life Nanavati case that led to the scrapping of the jury in India's legal system, starred Akshay as a naval officer accused of murdering his wife's lover. The 49-year-old star's omission from the Filmfare Awards Best Actor category prompted outrage recently - his National Award win is likely to pacify his fans. Rustom released to middling reviews last year but Akshay Kumar's performance was singled out for critical praise.

Rakesh Mapuskar won Best Director for the Marathi film Ventilator, produced by Priyanka Chopra.

Actress Sonam Kapoor received a special mention for her film Neerja, which was named Best Hindi Film. Dangal's Zaira Wasim won Best Supporting Actress. Actor Adil Hussain received special mention for his film Muktii Bhawan, which released today. Malayalam star Mohanlal received the Jury award. Ajay Devgn's Shivaay won the award for Best Special Effects.

Pink, starring Amitabh Bachchan, won Best Film on Social Issues.

Bisarjan won Best Bengali Film, Dashakriya was named Best Marathi Film, and Reservation won Best Kannada Film.

Nagesh Kukunoor's Dhanak won Best Children's Film.

The Tiger Who Crossed The Line won Best Environmental Film.

Uttar Pradesh was named the 'Most Film Friendly State.' Special mention in this category went to Jharkhand.

Iman Chakraborty won Best Female Playback Singer.

Here are all the winners:

Best Actor: Akshay Kumar For Rustom
Best Director: Rakesh Mapuskar For Ventilator
Best Hindi Film: Neerja
Best Bengali Film: Bisarjan
Best Marathi Film: Dashakriya
Best Kannada Film: Reservation
Best Tamil Film: Joker
Best Gujarati Film: Wrong Side Raju
Best Film On Social Issues: Pink
Best Actress: Surabhi For Minnaminungu
Best Supporting Actress: Zaira Wasim For Dangal
Special Mention: Sonam Kapoor For Neerja
Special Mention: Adil Hussain for Mukti Bhawan
Jury Award: Mohanlal
Best Environmental Film: The Tiger Who Crossed The Line
Best Children's Film: Dhanak
Best Female Playback Singer: Iman Chakraborty
Best Special Effects: Shivaay
Special Award: The Eyes Of Darkness
Most Film Friendly State: Uttar Pradesh, special mention to Jharkhand