Tamil Nadu State Film Awards Celebrate Seven Years of Cinematic Excellence
The Tamil Nadu State Film Awards ceremony, held on February 13, 2026, at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai, was a grand celebration honoring cinematic achievements spanning an impressive seven-year period from 2016 to 2022. This monumental event also recognized television awards from 2014 to 2022 and student awards from 2015 to 2022, bringing together the best of Tamil entertainment under one roof.
Suriya and AR Rahman's Trophy Exchange Becomes Viral Moment
While over 400 artists received honors for their contributions to cinema, television, and student projects, the night's most talked-about incident involved two of India's biggest entertainment icons. Actor Suriya, who won the Best Actor award for his powerful performance in 'Soorarai Pottru', discovered upon receiving his trophy that it mistakenly bore the name of legendary music composer AR Rahman.
Displaying remarkable grace and humor, Suriya immediately stepped down from the stage and walked directly to Rahman with a smile. He informed the composer that their awards appeared to have been exchanged in a light-hearted mix-up. AR Rahman responded with an equally gracious smile, and the spontaneous moment generated laughter and applause from the audience. Although the trophies were later corrected, this unexpected exchange became the ceremony's most memorable highlight.
Comprehensive Honors Under Merit-Based Selection
The award selections were conducted purely on merit under the guidance of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, with Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin personally presenting the awards to winners. The ceremony recognized numerous leading actors including Vijay Sethupathi, Karthi, Dhanush, and Sivakarthikeyan alongside Suriya. Among actresses, Keerthy Suresh and Sai Pallavi received well-deserved recognition for their outstanding work.
Notably, while acclaimed actresses Nayanthara and Jyotika were unable to attend the event, their respective husbands—Vignesh Shiva and Suriya—accepted awards on their behalf, demonstrating the strong family connections within the industry.
Directors, Technicians, and Television Artists Honored
The awards ceremony extended beyond acting performances to recognize exceptional directorial talent. Visionary filmmakers including Lokesh Kanagaraj, Mari Selvaraj, and Vetrimaaran were honored for their critically acclaimed films that have shaped contemporary Tamil cinema.
AR Rahman received recognition for his magnificent musical score in the epic historical drama 'Ponniyin Selvan', adding another prestigious award to his already illustrious career. The ceremony also celebrated television actors and popular serials, acknowledging the important role television plays in Tamil entertainment culture.
This comprehensive celebration brought together artists from cinema, television, and student categories, creating a truly memorable event that highlighted the depth and diversity of Tamil Nadu's entertainment industry over nearly a decade of creative achievement.
