The Chetak Screen Awards 2026 nominations highlight not just creative excellence but also evolving governance standards within India’s entertainment economy. Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar leads with 24 nominations, followed by Saiyaara (17) and Homebound (15), ahead of the April 5 ceremony covering 31 categories across theatrical and OTT releases.
Established in 1995, the awards are administered by the Screen Academy, an independent, not-for-profit body comprising over 50 filmmakers and cultural professionals. This year’s process recorded over 95% participation, with each category evaluated by 38–40 members using a trimmed mean (Olympic) scoring methodology—an approach designed to reduce bias and enhance transparency in outcomes.
The introduction of a structured scoring rubric by Professor Priya Jaikumar of the University of Southern California further aligns the awards with globally benchmarked evaluation practices, reflecting a broader shift towards institutional credibility in the media and entertainment sector.
Key nominations across Best Film, Director, and acting categories featuring titles such as Dhurandhar, Homebound, Saiyaara, and performers like Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, and Radhika Apte highlights the balance between commercial cinema and content-driven productions.