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Kathmandu: The top five nominees for the Third International Nepali Film Awards (INFA) 2026 have been officially announced across 20 competitive categories.
The nominations were unveiled during a ceremony held at Hotel Yak & Yeti in Kathmandu on Friday, jointly organized by INFA Events UK and INFA Nepal. Nomination certificates were presented to artists and filmmakers shortlisted in the final five of each category.
According to the organizers, the nominations were selected from more than 40 Nepali films released between April 14, 2025, and mid-April 2026 (Baisakh 1 to Chaitra end, 2082 BS). The selection was made by an independent jury comprising veteran actor Harihar Sharma, veteran actress Gauri Malla, senior filmmaker and actor Ramesh Budhathoki, and veteran editor and lyricist Karun Thapa.
Before the announcement, an audiovisual presentation introducing the nominated films and artists was screened. Nominees in each category—including actors, directors, producers, writers, and technical professionals—were then invited to the stage to receive their nomination certificates.
The event was attended by prominent personalities from Nepal’s film industry, including actors, producers, directors, writers, technicians, journalists, and distinguished guests. A special video message from members of the INFA team based in the United Kingdom was also presented.
Jury members Harihar Sharma and Gauri Malla emphasized that the awards process would remain fair, transparent, and independent, stating that the organizers have no role in determining the winners. They noted that the final results are based solely on the jury’s evaluation scores.
INFA Awards Chief Coordinator and director Manish Karki said the third edition, to be held in Nepal for the first time, will build on the success of the previous ceremonies organized in London in 2024 and 2025. He added that the awards aim to further promote Nepali cinema on the international stage.
During the event, veteran actor Madan Krishna Shrestha was announced as the recipient of the INFA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Nepali cinema. The award carries a cash prize of NPR 111,111, sponsored by HTR Care and Recruitment.
The INFA Awards 2026 ceremony will be held on August 14 (Shrawan 30) at Hotel Yak & Yeti in Kathmandu and will be broadcast live on Prime Television. The event is expected to bring together leading figures from Nepal’s film industry, along with representatives from the government, private sector, diplomatic missions, and national and international media.
The organizers also announced the Top Five nominees in 20 competitive categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Screenplay, Editing, Cinematography, Music, Playback Singing, and Choreography.
