IFFM 2026 Winners: The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne IFFM 2026 has announced its winners. Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra took home the Best Film award, and a few of Indian cinema’s biggest names still managed to show up among the top honourees.
This 17th edition, recognised films, actors, filmmakers and storytellers from across India and the broader subcontinent. Rishab Shetty, Dulquer Salmaan, Kirti Kulhari, Vijay Varma and Rasika Dugal were among the more prominent victors this year.
IFFM 2026 Winners: Full List
Here is the complete winners list announced for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2026:
- Best Film: Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra
- Best Film – Special Mention: The Great Shamshuddin Family
- Best Indie Film: Not a Hero — Rima Das
- Special Mention – Indie Film: Kikkran De Phull (Flowers of Acacia)
- Best Director: Rishab Shetty — Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1
- Best Actor: Dulquer Salmaan — Kaantha
- Best Actress: Kirti Kulhari — Full Plate
- Best Film from the Subcontinent: No Good Men — Shahrbanoo Sadat
- Best Documentary Film: Flying Tigers — Madhushree Dutta
- People’s Choice Award: Saiyaara
- Equality in Cinema Award: Sitaare Zameen Par
- Special Mention – Equality in Cinema: Simran Mangeshkar — Sitaare Zameen Par
- Rainbow Storyteller Award: Lala and Poppy
- Short Film Competition – Australia: The Weight of Soil
- Short Film Competition – India: Jo’s Turn
- Best Actor (Series): Vijay Varma — Matka King
- Best Actress (Series): Rasika Dugal — Delhi Crime 3
- Best Series: Freedom at Midnight, Season 2
- Artist of Distinction: Pankaj Tripathi
- Special Recognition: Rani Mukerji — 30 Years in Cinema
- Leadership in Cinema: Rishab Shetty
- Excellence in Cinema: Rekha
National Film Awards 2026 Full Winners List: Who Won Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Film and More?
Notable Mentions
Rishab Shetty kind of came out as one of the biggest winners that evening. He grabbed Best Director for Kantara : A Legend – Chapter 1, and he also got the Leadership in Cinema honour.
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The Best Actress recognition went to Kirti Kulhari for Full Plate. Her portrayal was noted among a tough group of nominees from all across Indian cinema, no easy wins there.
Vijay Varma walked away with Best Actor (Series) for Matka King, and Rasika Dugal was named Best Actress (Series) for Delhi Crime 3.
Meanwhile the Best Series award went to Freedom at Midnight, Season 2. The top or biggest film prize at the festival was given to Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra which ended up being named Best Film.
Also, The Great Shamshuddin Family received a Special Mention for Best Film and Rima Das’ Assamese-language title Not a Hero won Best Indie Film.
