National Film Awards 2023: Nisho, Putul shine as top acting winners

Entertainment Reporter Published: 29 January 2026, 10:24 PM

National Film Awards 2023: Nisho, Putul shine as top acting winners

Like a grand Oscars night for Bangladeshi cinema, the National Film Awards 2023 have unveiled their brightest stars after an intense final judging round.

In a headline-making triumph, Afran Nisho claimed Best Actor for his gripping performance in Suranga, while Ainun Nahar Putul took home Best Actress for her powerful role in Santao.

The evening belonged to Santao, which emerged as the Best Film of the Year, with Khandaker Suman also winning Best Director, sealing the film’s status as the standout cinematic achievement of 2023.

In an emotional tribute to cinema legends, the Lifetime Achievement Award was jointly bestowed upon late filmmaker Tarek Masud and cinematographer-director Abdul Latif Bachchu, honoring their enduring impact on the nation’s film heritage.

With awards handed out across 30 categories, the ceremony celebrated excellence in storytelling, music, performance, and technical artistry, marking a milestone year for Bangladeshi cinema.

National Film Awards 2023: Full Winners List

Lifetime Achievement Award

Tareque Masud

Abdul Latif Bachchu

Best Film

Santao – Directed by Khandaker Suman

Best Short Film

Mariam – Directed by Chaitali Samaddar

Best Documentary

Leelabati Nag: The Rebel – Directed by Eliza Binte Elahi

Best Director

Khandaker Suman – Santao