Boong Makes History at BAFTA 2026, Becomes First Indian Film to Win Children & Family Award
London | 23 Feb 2026 India marked a proud moment on the global cinema stage as Boong, a Manipuri-language film, won the Best Children’s and Family Film award at the BAFTA Awards 2026. Backed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, the film became the first Indian entry to win in this category. It was also the only film from India nominated at this year’s BAFTAs, making the victory even more special. Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong stars Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam in key roles. The film was produced by Farhan Akhtar along with Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex, Ritesh Sidhwani and Shujaat Saudagar. Farhan Akhtar attended the ceremony and received the award on behalf of the team. The film competed against international titles like Arco, Lilo & Stitch, and Zootopia 2 before emerging as the winner. Boong has already enjoyed a strong festival journey. It premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in the Discovery section and was later screened at the Warsaw International Film Festival 2024, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, the 55th International Film Festival of India, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025. The film’s growing global presence helped it gain attention among international audiences and juries. The story follows a young boy from Manipur who wants to surprise his mother with a special gift. In his innocent belief, he thinks bringing his father back home would be the greatest surprise of all. His emotional journey in search of his father leads him to an unexpected truth and “a new beginning.” The 79th BAFTA Awards were held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, where Alia Bhatt also made her first BAFTA appearance and spoke about her love for cinema and motherhood, calling her daughter her biggest Boong Makes History at BAFTA 2026, Becomes First Indian Film to Win Children & Family Award India marked a proud moment on the global cinema stage as Boong, a Manipuri-language film, won the Best Children’s and Family Film award at the BAFTA Awards 2026. Backed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, the film became the first Indian entry to win in this category. It was also the only film from India nominated at this year’s BAFTAs, making the victory even more special. Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong stars Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam in key roles. The film was produced by Farhan Akhtar along with Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex, Ritesh Sidhwani and Shujaat Saudagar. Farhan Akhtar attended the ceremony and received the award on behalf of the team. The film competed against international titles like Arco, Lilo & Stitch, and Zootopia 2 before emerging as the winner. Boong has already enjoyed a strong festival journey. It premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in the Discovery section and was later screened at the Warsaw International Film Festival 2024, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, the 55th International Film Festival of India, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025. The film’s growing global presence helped it gain attention among international audiences and juries. The story follows a young boy from Manipur who wants to surprise his mother with a special gift. In his innocent belief, he thinks bringing his father back home would be the greatest surprise of all. His emotional journey in search of his father leads him to an unexpected truth and “a new beginning.” The 79th BAFTA Awards were held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, where Alia Bhatt also made her first BAFTA appearance and spoke about her love for cinema and motherhood, calling her daughter her biggest inspiration.
