JFW Movie Awards 2026 shines bright: Women-led cinema, music and emotions take centre stage

The JFW Movie Awards 2026 didn’t just roll out the red carpet, it rolled out emotion, music, nostalgia and meaning. What began as a promise to celebrate women-led cinema turned into an evening where stories were felt as much as they were applauded, and where every big win came with an even bigger moment!

If JFW set out to prove once again that women aren’t a category but the core of cinema, the night delivered loudly, proudly and unapologetically.

Presented by Title Sponsor Twin Birds, Powered by Mrithu Towels by Ramraj Cotton and Sakthi Masala, with Strength Partner Kaaveri TMT Bars & Structural and Wardrobe Partner Ramyyam Sarees, the JFW Movie Awards 2026 celebrated excellence across 24 award categories in Tamil and Malayalam cinema.

Leading the evening were JFW’s co-founders Bina Sujit and Sujit Kumar. Bina made a striking appearance at the JFW Movie Awards 2026, dressed in a Suresh Menon creation, a deep red ensemble paired with a matching coat. The look exuded elegance and grace, perfectly complementing the scale and splendour of the night.

Holding the evening together with warmth, wit, and effortless flow were anchors Azhar, Archana Chandoke, and Diya Menon, whose chemistry became one of the night’s highlights. Azhar’s sharp humour and spot-on mimicry brought bursts of laughter, Archana Chandoke balanced the energy with her trademark spontaneity and crowd connect, while Diya Menon added poise and grace, guiding the evening smoothly across languages and moments.

The mood was set early with Simran’s win for Best Actress in a Lead Role for Tourist Family. As a live band performed a musical tribute, the hall leaned in. When Shalini Ajith walked on stage the award, it became more than a win. It became a conversation between two women who have quietly inspired each other for decades. Their words of mutual admiration struck a chord, earning one of the evening’s warmest ovations.

Then came Bison, and it came as a team. Winning Best Film, the entire case and crew took over the stage, with Dhruv Vikram and Anupama Parameshwaran front and centre. Dhruv also collected the Most Impactful Performer Award, charming the audience with his ease, sincerity and unmistakable star presence.

And because no JFW night is complete without music doing the storytelling, Sai Abhyankar lit up the stage with his Dude hits, instantly turning the auditorium into a sing-along. The energy peaked when Mamita Baiju won Best Actress Tamil (Critics) for Dude. The cheers only grew louder when she broke into her viral dance move right there on stage, spontaneous, endearing and utterly unforgettable.

Strong women-led narratives continued to take centre stage with Kalyani Priyadarshan winning Best Actress in a Woman-led Malayalam film for Lokah, a performance celebrated for its quiet strength and emotional depth.

But JFW also reminded everyone that meaningful cinema thrives on allyship. That spirit was embodied perfectly when Nivin Pauly was named Man of the Year for Sarvam Maya. Dapper, witty, and effortlessly cool, he had the crowd laughing and listening in equal measure, proof that support, when genuine, shines just as brightly.The evening wasn’t only about looking back. The team of the upcoming film Pookie took the stage, offering a glimpse into what lies ahead, before Vijay Antony cranked up the tempo with a power-packed musical performance that kept the energy soaring.

The emotional high point arrived with Radhika Sarathkumar’s win for Best Actress in a supporting role for Revolver Rita. Joined by her sister Nirosha, the moment grew even more poignant when anchor Azhar paid tribute to their late father, legendary actor M.R. Radha, drawing smiles, laughter, and misty eyes in equal measure.

As the lights dimmed and the applause faded, one thing remained clear: this wasn’t just an awards night. It was a reminder that when women lead the narrative and when everyone shows up to support it, cinema becomes more than entertainment. it becomes memory, movement and magic.