FICSON honours standout Nepali films and artists

The Film Critics Society of Nepal (FICSON) celebrated the achievements of Nepali cinema by hosting its annual Film Critics Award on June 20 in Kathmandu. The event honored films released in 2024 and 2025, acknowledging the creative contributions of directors, actors, and other artists.

Organizers explained that the ceremony was postponed from last year to accommodate the September protests and subsequent March polls, opting for a joint awards show for films from the past two years. Beloved actor and comedian Madan Krishna Shrestha graced the event as the Chief Guest.

For 2024 films, Min Bahadur Bham and Thinley Lhamo received Best Director and Best Actor awards for the acclaimed movie ‘Shambhala’. Dayahang Rai was honored as best actor for ‘Gaun Aayeko Bato’. Other films like ‘Sano Sansar’, ‘Aakha’, ‘Rajagunj’, ‘Boksi ko Ghar’, and ‘Purna Bahadur ko Sarangi’ also secured awards in different categories.

In the 2025 film category, ‘Unko Sweater’ and ‘Bhuthan’ dominated, with ‘Unko Sweater’ winning best film. Hari Bansa Acharya was recognized as best actor, and Nabin Chauhan as best director. Anna Sharma earned best actress for her role in ‘Rammita ko Pirati’.

Madan Krishna Shrestha congratulated the winners, highlighting the significant progress of Nepali cinema. Hari Bansa Acharya and Madan Krishna Shrestha both praised Daya Hang Rai for challenging traditional casting norms and expressed a desire to collaborate with him. Swastima Khadka also acknowledged the growing global recognition of Nepali films, congratulating the teams behind ‘Shambhala’ and ‘Elephants in the Fog’.

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People used to think only people who looked like me could be leads. You have changed that with your work.