List of awards and nominations received by Kamal Haasan
Last updated
This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by editing the page to add missing items, with references to reliable sources.
Regarded as one of the greatest and most versatile actors of all time,[4] Haasan is renowned for portraying diverse and complex roles, across multiple genres, often involving physical transformations.[5] He is also known for pushing creative boundaries[6] and pioneering many new technologies in Indian cinema.[7] Filmmakers[b] have described Haasan as "cinema encyclopedia" for his immense knowledge and mastery of various aspects of filmmaking as an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, singer, lyricist, and dancer.[19][20] He has also worked as an assistant director, choreographer, editor, make-up artist, narrator, television host, and a distributor of films. In his cinematic career spanning more than 65 years, he has made over 250 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada and Bengali languages.[21] Haasan has won numerous accolades, including five National Film Awards,[c] twenty Filmfare Awards,[d] eleven Tamil Nadu State Film Awards,[e] and four Nandi Awards.[f] He was honoured with the Kalaimamani in 1978, the Padma Shri in 1990, the Padma Bhushan in 2014, and the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier) in 2016.[23] He was invited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2025 to become a member of its Actors Branch, for being an "exceptionally talented individual having made indelible contributions to global filmmaking community."[24]
"The inimitable Kamal Haasan, regarded by many as the best actor India has ever produced"
Haasan started his career as a child artist at the age of 5 in the 1960 Tamil film Kalathur Kannamma,[26] which earned him the National Award for Best Child Artist.[g] After playing a few supporting roles, he progressed to lead role in the 1974 Malayalam film Kanyakumari, for which he won his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor. He then earned three National Awards for Best Actor for Moondram Pirai (1982), Nayakan (1987) and Indian (1996). Haasan has won 20 Filmfare Awards in total, the most for any actor. He holds the record for the most Filmfare Awards for Best Actor, with a total of 18 wins[h] – eleven in Tamil, three in Telugu, two in Malayalam, one in Hindi, and one in Kannada.[i] He has been nominated for 63 Filmfare Awards, the most for any actor.[j] He also holds the record for the most Filmfare Award nominations for acting, with 50 nominations. He is the only actor who has won Filmfare Awards across five different languages. Besides several acting awards for his acclaimed performances,[k] he has won many other cinematic awards for producing, directing, screenwriting, singing, lyric writing, choreographing and dancing.[l] Haasan is also distinguished for starring in the highest number of films submitted by India for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards, with seven films – Saagar (1985), Swathi Muthyam (1986), Nayakan (1987), Thevar Magan (1992), Kuruthipunal (1995), Indian (1996), and Hey Ram (2000) which he directed.[29] He has won many awards at various international film festivals,[m] including the inaugural PiFan Best Asian Film Award for his directorial Virumaandi (2004).[n] His production company Raaj Kamal Films International has produced many of his films, including Thevar Magan (1992) which won him the National Award for Best Tamil Film.
Haasan's portrayal of an innocent man, scammed and imprisoned, in Mahanadhi (1994), was selected by Forbes India as one of the 25 greatest acting performances of Indian cinema.[31]Hindustan Times hailed him as "A polymath in the truest sense, Kamal has given silver jubilee films[o] in five languages. If there's one Indian actor who is a one-man industry in himself, it's Kamal Haasan."[32] He received the first Golden Beaver Award at the 2025 Indian Film Festival of Alberta, Canada, for "transforming cinema — bridging cultures, breaking barriers, and inspiring audiences worldwide." He was awarded the "Original Pan-India Superstar" Award at the 2022 South Indian International Movie Awards.[33] The Directorate of Film Festivals organised a three-day "Kamal Haasan Film Festival" from 2 to 4 July 2010,[34] and showcased seven of his best films – Sagara Sangamam (1983), Nayakan (1987), Thevar Magan (1992), Hey Ram (2000), Anbe Sivam (2003), Virumaandi (2004), and Dasavathaaram (2008) in which he played ten distinct roles. Nayakan (1987), starring Haasan, was chosen as one of the 100 greatest films of all time by the American magazine TIME.[35] On October 16, 1997, Queen Elizabeth II publicly launched Haasan's unfinished historical film Marudhanayagam.[36]
"Kamal Haasan falls under a special category, as his cinema broke barriers of language and region. He has been honoured with several awards. In fact, he may be the most awarded person in the country."
Haasan received the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year Special Award, from the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, for completing 50 years in cinema in 2009. He was named as one of the 50 most powerful Indians by India Today in 2017.[38] He was conferred two Honorary Doctorates, one by Sathyabama University in 2005, one by Centurion University in 2019. He received the first A. T. Kovoor National Award for the Secular Artist in 2005, in acknowledgment of his humanist and philanthropic activities.[39] He was the first Tamil actor to convert his fan clubs into welfare associations, and has been consistently involved in many social services, including donating food and medicines to the needy, helping with children's education, and promoting blood and organ donation.[40] He was appointed an ambassador by the United Nations in 2007, for its joint campaign with the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society to protect the rights of people living with HIV.[41] On 21 February 2018, Haasan formally launched a political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (lit. People's Justice Centre).[42]
In 1978, the Government of Tamil Nadu honoured Haasan with the Kalaimamani (lit. 'Jewel of Arts'), for his excellent service to the development of arts.[49]
Established in 1954, the National Awards are the most prominent awards for films in India. They are awarded by the President of India each year for the films of the preceding year.[54] Kamal Haasan has won five National Awards, including four for acting, and one as a producer.
Kamal Haasan has won 20 Filmfare Awards in total, the most for any actor –– category-wise: 18 for Best Actor, 1 for Best Film, and 1 for Best Story; language-wise: 12 in Tamil, 3 in Telugu, 2 in Malayalam, 2 in Hindi, and 1 in Kannada.
He holds the record for the most Filmfare Awards for Best Actor, with a total of 18 wins –– 11 in Tamil, 3 in Telugu, 2 in Malayalam, 1 in Hindi, and 1 in Kannada.[q]
He has been nominated for 63 Filmfare Awards, the most for any actor –– category-wise: 49 for Best Actor, 9 for Best Film, 2 for Best Director, 1 for Best Playback Singer, 1 for Best Story, 1 for Best Supporting Actor; language-wise: 47 in Tamil, 7 in Telugu, 6 in Hindi, 2 in Malayalam, 1 in Kannada.
He also holds the record for the most Filmfare Award nominations for acting, with 50 nominations –– category-wise: 49 for Best Actor, 1 for Best Supporting Actor; language-wise: 35 in Tamil, 7 in Telugu, 5 in Hindi, 2 in Malayalam, 1 in Kannada.
Haasan is the only actor who has won Filmfare Awards across five different languages.[60][61]
He holds the record for the most Filmfare Awards for Best Actor – Tamil, with a total of 11 wins.
He also holds the record for the most Filmfare Award nominations for Best Actor – Tamil, with 35 nominations.
He holds the record for the most consecutive wins of the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil, with 4 wins from 1975 to 1978.
He also holds the record for the most consecutive Filmfare Award nominations for Best Actor – Tamil, with 12 nominations from 1985 to 1996.
He remains the youngest nominee and winner of the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Malayalam, winning at the age of 20.
He also remains the youngest nominee and winner of the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil, winning at the age of 21.
Though Haasan wrote a letter to the organisation asking them to not give him any more awards after his win for Hey Ram (2000),[62] he won his 18th Filmfare Award for Best Actor and his 20th Filmfare Award overall for Vikram (2022) at the 68th Filmfare Awards South 2023. [63]
Awards for Tamil films, awarded by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Haasan holds the record for the most Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, with a total of 11 wins. He also holds the record for the most Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for Best Actor, with a total of 8 wins.
The European jury of eminent filmmakers said, "Virumaandi successfully manages to combine social and political drama, romance, humour, musical and spectacular action in one story of epic proportions. All the more impressive is the fact that it has been written, produced and directed by one man who also plays the lead role. It is a film that should easily appeal to audiences from all over the world." Jan Doense, filmmaker and a member of the jury gave the Best Asian Film Award to Kamal Haasan and said, "Astounding", even as he appreciated the ethnicity of the film.[105]
Haasan was appointed an ambassador by the United Nations in 2007, for its joint campaign with the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society to protect the rights of people living with HIV.[116][117]
Haasan was awarded the Henri Langlois Prize in 2016, a French honour, for his contributions to international cinema.[118]
Haasan's portrayal of an innocent man, scammed and imprisoned, in Mahanadhi (1994), was selected by Forbes India as one of the 25 greatest acting performances of Indian cinema.[119]
Nayakan (1987), starring Haasan, was chosen as one of the 100 greatest films of all time by the American magazine TIME.
Haasan was invited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2025 to become a member of its Actors Branch, for being an "exceptionally talented individual having made indelible contributions to global filmmaking community."
Haasan received the first Golden Beaver Award for "transforming cinema — bridging cultures, breaking barriers, and inspiring audiences worldwide" at the Indian Film Festival of Alberta, Canada (2025).[120]
Haasan was one of 20 Indian cinematic icons, whose extraordinary achievements were acknowledged in the 24th edition of the Limca Book of Records (2013).[121]
Haasan was the first Indian actor invited aboard an American ship, as a special friend of the United States in 2012.
On 2 August 2014, actor Kamal Haasan was presented with Lifetime Achievement Award by Chief guest Governor Dr. K. Rosaiah at a function organised by Tamil Chamber of Commerce as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations.
Kamal Haasan was presented with Rashtrabhushan Award by FIE Foundation.
The FIE Foundation is a charity trust (NGO) established in 1970, belongs to 'Fie Group of Industries' Ichalkaranji, in Maharashtra State of India. The awards are generally selected form the following fields,- Engineering, Science & Technology, Humanities, Education, Agriculture, Music & Arts, Sports, Literature, Child Artist and Local talents. The highest award conferred is 'Rashtrabhushan Awards'. The awards are given every year in a grand ceremony held in Ichalkaranji in January/February at the hands of eminent dignitaries.
Mr. Haasan will receive an award on behalf of the Indian cinema presented by Chris Brown, Executive Vice President, Conventions & Business Operations for the National Association of Broadcasters. The ceremony is part of the New York Festivals International Film & TV awards.
2013 CNN-IBN survey on "100 years of Indian cinema" – 2nd position as India's Great Actors. (First-NTR 53 percentage, Second-Kamal 44 percentage)[159]
Haasan was honoured in India House at London in UK-India Year of Culture 2017.[160][161]
Haasan was honoured in Grand Marshal in 38th India Day Parade at Manhattan, New York in 2018.[162]
The 67thCannes Film Festival, which was held from 14 May 2014, comprised a showcase Indian cinema across linguistic, cultural and regional diversity, with the aim of forging international partnerships in the realms of distribution, production, filming in India, script development and technology, and promoting film sales and syndication", according to an official press note.
2016– He was invited 'Chief Guest Speaker' Wharton India Economic Forum (WIEF), Philadelphia, 20th Edition of the Conference, 26 March 2016.[169]
Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan, in association with the All India Film Employees Confederation (AIFEC), had organised a three-day film workshop in November, 2015 for over 10,000 people working in the industry.[170]
He is one of the board member of Censor Board of Film Certification.[171]
Kamal Haasan, in association with the Indian Institute of Technology- Madras (IIT-M) presented a first-of-its-kind International Workshop and Seminar on Screenwriting in the IIT campus in Chennai from 29 May to 3 June 2009.[172]
↑ In an interview, Haasan revealed that Parthasarathy was one of the names given to him.[1] He was initially named after the Parthasarathy deity at Pallava-era temple in Chennai. Later his father changed his name to Kamal Haasan.[2] His name as per the records of Rajya Sabha is Shri Kamal Haasan.[3]
↑ Jackie Chan,[8] Ang Lee,[9] Barrie M. Osborne,[10] A. R. Rahman,[11] Amitabh Bachchan,[12] Shah Rukh Khan,[13] Atlee,[14] Daggubati Venkatesh,[15] Pawan Kalyan,[16] Jaideep Ahlawat,[17] Pooja Kumar[18]
5. National Film Award for Best Child Artist for Kalathur Kannamma (1960) (The award for best acting was given out as a Rashtrapati Award (President's Gold Medal) until the 14th National Film Awards ceremony held in 1967, when the National Awards were called as the "State Awards for Films". They were renamed to the current National Film Awards from the 15th National Film Awards ceremony held in 1968.)[22]
4. NTR National Award (2014) for Lifetime achievements and contributions to Indian cinema
↑ The award for best acting was given out as a Rashtrapati Award (President's Gold Medal) until the 14th National Film Awards ceremony held in 1967, when the National Awards were called as the "State Awards for Films". They were renamed to the current National Film Awards from the 15th National Film Awards ceremony held in 1968.[22]
↑ Though Haasan wrote a letter to the organisation asking them to not give him any more awards after his win for Hey Ram (2000),[27] he won his eighteenth Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for Vikram (2022) at the 68th Filmfare Awards South 2023 - Tamil.[28]
8. For Anbe Sivam (2003), Southern India Cinematographers Association Award for Best Actor
9. For Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006), Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor, Film Fans' Association Award for Best Actor
10. For Dasavathaaram (2008), Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor, Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Actor, Vijay Awards for Best Comedian, Best Villain and Favourite Hero, Film Fans' Association Award for Best Actor
11. For Vishwaroopam (2013), Vijay Award for Best Actor, Behindwoods Gold Medal Award for Legendary Performance as Actor
12. For Uttama Villain (2015), Los Angeles Independent Film Festival (LAIFF) Award for Best Actor, MGR-SIVAJI Academy Award for Best Actor
13. For Papanasam (2015), MGR-SIVAJI Academy Award for Best Actor
14. For Thoongaa Vanam (2015), MGR-SIVAJI Academy Award for Best Actor
15. For Kalki 2898 AD (2024), South Indian International Movie Award (SIIMA) for Best Actor in a Negative Role – Telugu
Films for which Haasan won other cinematic awards (other than acting awards):
1. For Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989), Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil and Cinema Express Award for Best Film – Tamil
2. For Thevar Magan (1992), National Film Award for Best Tamil Feature Film, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Feature Film (Second Prize) and Cinema Express Award for Best Film – Tamil
3. For Kuruthipunal (1995), Cinema Express Award for Best Film – Tamil
4. For Virasat (1997), Filmfare Award for Best Story – Hindi and Screen Award for Best Story
5. For Hey Ram (2000), Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award for Most Outstanding Work of the Year
6. For Virumaandi (2004), Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan) Best Asian Film Award
7. For Dasavathaaram (2008), Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Screenplay, Vijay Awards for Best Story, Screenplay Writer and Best Dialogue Writer
8. For Manmadan Ambu (2010), Vijay Music Awards for Best Lyricist and Best Song sung by an Actor (Song: Neela Vaanam)
9. For Vishwaroopam (2013), Vijay Award for Favourite Director, Behindwoods Gold Medal Award for Legendary Performance as Director, Writer, Producer and Singer, Jagran Film Festival Special Jury Award for raising the bar of mainstream Indian cinema to International level
10. For Uttama Villain (2015), Los Angeles Independent Film Festival (LAIFF) Awards for Best Picture, Best Produced Screenplay and Best Original Song (Song: Iraniyan Naadagam), Behindwoods Gold Medal Award for Best Song Choreographer
11. For Thoongaa Vanam (2015), MGR-SIVAJI Academy Award for Best Film
12. For Vikram (2022), South Indian International Movie Award (SIIMA) for Best Playback Singer (Male) – Tamil (Song: Pathala Pathala), Osaka Tamil International Film Festival Award for Best Tamil Film
13. For Amaran (2024), South Indian International Movie Award (SIIMA) for Best Film – Tamil, Chennai International Film Festival Award for Best Tamil Feature Film
10. Virumaandi (2004) – International Film Festival Rotterdam, Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan)
11. Vishwaroopam (2013) – India International Film Festival of Tampa Bay
12. Uttama Villain (2015) – Los Angeles Independent Film Festival (LAIFF)
13. Vikram (2022) – Busan International Film Festival, Osaka Tamil International Film Festival
14. Kalki 2898 AD (2024) – Busan International Film Festival
↑ The European jury of eminent filmmakers said, "Virumaandi successfully manages to combine social and political drama, romance, humour, musical and spectacular action in one story of epic proportions. All the more impressive is the fact that it has been written, produced and directed by one man who also plays the lead role. It is a film that should easily appeal to audiences from all over the world." Jan Doense, filmmaker and a member of the jury gave the award to Haasan and said, "Astounding", even as he appreciated the ethnicity of the film.[30]
↑ A silver jubilee film is a movie that ran continuously in theatres for 25 consecutive weeks without any interruptions.
↑ The award for best acting was given out as a Rashtrapati Award (President's Gold Medal) until the 14th National Film Awards ceremony held in 1967, when the National Awards were called as the "State Awards for Films". They were renamed to the current National Film Awards from the 15th National Film Awards ceremony held in 1968.[22][55]
↑ Legendary Performance as Actor, Director, Writer, Producer and Singer
Bibliography
K. Hariharan (10 July 2024). Kamal Haasan: A Cinematic Journey (1sted.). HarperCollins Publishers India. 280 pages. ISBN9789354899621. One of the greatest actors India has ever produced, Kamal Haasan is unique in many ways. He has usually gone beyond just enacting a role to completely immersing himself in it.
Sadhanaigal padaitha Tamil Thiraipada Varalaaru (Tamil Film History and Its Achievements) (in Tamil). Chennai: Sivagami Publications. 2004.
The Times of India directory and year book including who's who. The Times of India. 1984.
Super Actor Kamal Hasan Vaizhkai Varalaaru, 2nd Edition, 1993 (1st 1985). MANIMEKALAI PRASURAM, Post Box No. 1477, Thanigasalam Road, T Nagar, Chennai.
Actor Kamal Hasan Vaizhkai Varalaaru, 2001 (Monthly Twice). Cinema Express Tamil Magazine.
Nammavar Kamal Haasan Narpani Kalangium, Pondicherry Branch, 1st Edition, 2002. Kamal Hasan Narpani Mantram, Head Office, Alwarpet, Chennai.
"KAMAL HAASAN'S BEST FILMS YOU CAN'T MISS". Times Now. 7 November 2022. Indian superstar Kamal Haasan turned 68 today. He is considered as one of the greatest actors of all time.
"Kamal Haasan is the best we've got". Rediff. 6 June 2008. Archived from the original on 15 October 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2025. On meeting Kamal Haasan: He is, without a doubt one of the greatest actors we have in Indian cinema as well as the world.
Sumanth (1 June 2022). "10 First Of Its Kind Technologies Introduced By Kamal Haasan To Indian Cinema". Wirally. Archived from the original on 13 June 2022. Retrieved 3 July 2022. In his career spanning more than six decades, the versatile cinematic magician has done everything that is related to Cinema. Kamal Haasan took Indian Cinema forward with his vision and finesse. He pioneered many techniques in the industry. He introduced many first of its kind technologies to the Indian industry.
Athimuthu, Soundarya (27 April 2022). "Vishwaroopam to Vikram: Kamal Haasan & Tech Innovation in His Films". The Quint. Retrieved 3 July 2022. Kamal Haasan, also referred to as the 'Ulaganayagan' (the world's actor), is known for introducing interesting technologies to the Indian cinema.
↑ "I'm a true Gandhian". Times of India. 4 May 2008. Kamal can do stunts, sing, dance, fight and romance. He's incredible.
↑ "Ang Lee: Stunned by Kamal Haasan's brilliance". News18. 2 November 2012. Archived from the original on 10 April 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2025. Haasan is not only an amazing actor but a great human being who knows everything about world-class cinema.
↑ S. Shiva Kumar (25 August 2006). "A dream come true for him". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 November 2012. Retrieved 21 January 2011. I find Haasan greater than Dustin Hoffman and De Niro put together. He's a technician par excellence. That kind of knowledge and control every actor should strive to get.
↑ "Happy Birthday Kamal Haasan: Ten lesser known facts about the legend as he turns 65". Hindustan Times. 7 November 2019. Archived from the original on 3 November 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2025. If there's one Indian actor who is a one-man industry in himself, it's Kamal Haasan who has always taken the road less travelled. A polymath in the truest sense, Kamal has made sure he goes beyond the realms of acting — he's a dancer, singer, director, producer, lyricist, technician and make-up artist too!
1 2 3 "Kamal Haasan celebrates 50 years in films!". Hindustan Times. 10 August 2009. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 18 August 2025. Kamal had won the best child actor National Award for his performance in his debut film.
↑ "THE ACADEMY INVITES 534 TO MEMBERSHIP". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 26 June 2025. Archived from the original on 27 June 2025. Retrieved 27 June 2025. Through their commitment to filmmaking and to the greater movie industry, these exceptionally talented individuals have made indelible contributions to our global filmmaking community.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
