The Manipuri comedy-drama feature film ‘Boong’, produced under Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, has made history at the BAFTA 2026 Awards. The film won six prestigious awards at the ceremony held at the Royal Festival Hall along the Thames in London.
A Historic Win for Regional Indian Cinema
‘Boong’ was honored with the Best Children’s and Family Film award, making it the first Indian film of the year to be nominated and recognized at BAFTA. Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, the film received widespread acclaim for its storytelling and authentic portrayal of life in Manipur. Lakshmipriya Devi expressed her gratitude on stage, saying, “It feels as though we were taking the last steps to reach the peak of a mountain we never knew existed.”
She also paid tribute to her hometown: “This film and this win are a tribute to my hometown Manipur, often neglected in India. The story is set against a backdrop of social and political tension in the region. I pray for the return of peace to Manipur.”
Storyline of ‘Boong’
The film revolves around a schoolboy living near the India–Manipur border, facing racial tensions and hardships from birth. Amidst violence and neglect, he struggles to reunite his broken family and bring back his estranged father, while navigating the social and political challenges of his community.
Festival Journey
Before BAFTA, ‘Boong’ premiered in the Discovery Section of the Toronto International Film Festival 2024. It was also screened at the Warsaw International Film Festival 2024, the 55th International Film Festival of India, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025. Starring Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hizjam, the film triumphed over entries like Lilo & Stitch, Arko, and Zootropolis 2.
BAFTA 2026 Winners – Key Highlights
- Best Children’s and Family Film: Boong
- Best Special Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire & Ash
- Best Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners
- Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn – One Battle After Another
- Best Production Design: Frankenstein
- Best Makeup & Hair: Frankenstein
- Best Documentary: Mr Nobody Against Putin
- Best British Short Film: This is Endometriosis
- Best British Short Animation: Two Black Boys in Paradise
- Best Original Screenplay: Sinners – Ryan Coogler
- Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer: My Father’s Shadow – Akinnola Davis Jr. (Director), Well Davis (Writer)
- Best Casting: I Swear
- Best Editing: One Battle After Another
- Best Animated Film: Zootropolis 2
- Best Cinematography: One Battle After Another
- Best Sound: F1
- Best Original Score: Sinners
- Best Adapted Screenplay: One Battle After Another – Paul Thomas Anderson
- Best Costume Design: Frankenstein
- Best Film Not in the English Language: Sentimental Value
- Outstanding British Film: Hamnet
- Rising Star Award (Public Voting): Robert Aramayo
- Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another
- Best Leading Actor: Robert Aramayo – I Swear
- Best Leading Actress: Jessie Buckley – Hamnet
- Best Film: One Battle After Another
- Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award: Claire Burns
- BAFTA Fellowship: Donna Langley
The win for Boong highlights the growing recognition of regional Indian cinema on global platforms and marks a proud moment for the country.
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