The Cinema Times, Kathmandu – The prestigious National Film Awards 2082, organized by the Film Development Board, was held at Shital Niwas on Monday, where President Ram Chandra Poudel honored excellence in Nepali Cinema, distributing awards across various categories. The event was a heartfelt celebration of cinematic talent and contributions of both emerging stars and timeless legends of Nepali cinema.

‘Shambhala’, directed by Min Bahadur Bham, was declared Best Film of the year. Bham also took home the Best Director Award for his artistic contribution. Bijay Baral won Best Actor Award for his powerful performance in ‘Purna Bahadurko Sarangi’, while Upasana Singh Thakuri was named Best Actress for her heartfelt portrayal in ‘Khusma’.

The Lifetime Achievement Award accompanied by a cash prize of NPR 375,000, was conferred upon veteran writer-director Laxminath Sharma honoring his decades-long devotion to Nepali cinema.

The ceremony also recognized contributions across 9 key categories and honored individuals for their lifelong impact on the cine industry.

National Film Award Winners

• Best Film: Shambhala
• Best Actor: Bijay Baral (Purna Bahadurko Sarangi)
• Best Actress: Upashana Singh Thakuri (Khusma)
• Best Director: Min Bahadur Bham (Shambala)
• Best Editor: Bharat Regmi (Pujar Sarki)
• Best Cinematographer: Purushottam Pradhan (Pitambar)
• Best Writer: Deepak Raj Giri (Chhakka Panja 5)
• Best Indigenous Language Film: Galy Wan (Nepal Bhasha)

Jury Encouragement Award

• Actor Pradeep Khadka (Pujar Sarki)

Lifetime Achievement Honor

• Laxminath Sharma (Writer/Director)- NPR 375,000 cash prize

Special Contribution Honors

• Prem Subba (Artist)
• Devika Bandana (Singer)
• Dirgha Gurung (Cinematographer)
• Anup Baral (Actor/Director)
• Surakshya Panta (Actor)
• Nakim Uddin (Exhibitor)
• Uttam KC (Actor)
• Anju Ranjitkar (Actor)
• Nikhil Upreti (Actor/Director)

Special Film Awards

• Che (Limbu Language)
• Dilsara (Magar Language)

Posthumous Special Contribution Award

• Late Shravan Maske (Lighting Technician), who tragically passed away during the filming of Chino in 2046 B.S.