BAFTA 2026: Boong wins Best Children’s and Family film Award, first for India this year

Boong, the Manipuri film backed by Farhan Akhtar, is making history at BAFTA 2026, held at Royal Festival Hall, in London’s Southbank Centre on Sunday night. The movie has become the first Indian film to win the award this year. Boong beat strong international nominees including Arco, Lilo & Stitch, and Zootropolis 2 to win the award. Lakshmipriya Devi and the producers are currently celebrating their win. The director also gave a powerful speech for the overlooked North-East Indian state, at a global level. Here’s everything you need to know…

What award did Boong win at BAFTA 2026?

Boong won the Best Children’s and Family film Award at BAFTA 2026, making it India’s first big win this year. The movie was competing with films like Arco, Lilo & Stitch, and Zootropolis 2. The film’s director Lakshmipriya Devi collected the award and gave a powerful speech after picking up the trophy.

What was Lakshmipriya Devi’s speech after Boong’s win at BAFTA 2026?

Lakshmipriya Devi’s speech revolved around the need for peace in India’s North-Eastern state, Manipur. For the unversed, the movie touches upon the topic of complex social dynamics along the Manipur border. "I just want to use this opportunity to say that we pray for peace to return to Manipur. We pray that all the internally displaced children, including the child actors in the film, regain their joy, their innocence, and their dream once again," Lakshmipriya Devi shared during her winning speech for the movie. Calling Manipur her homeland, the director also pointed out how it is very much ignored and unrepresented in India. "We pray that no conflict is ever formidable enough to destroy the one superpower that all of us have as human beings, that is forgiveness. So thank you, BAFTA, for giving us not only an award, but this stage to express our hope," she said.

Backed by Farhan Akhtar, Boong (meaning little boy in Manipur) is his story of living in Manipur in times of social and political tension. Boong is played by Gugun Kipgen, while Bala Hijam plays the role of his mother, Mandakini. Boong is in search for his father and with the help of his friend Raju (Angom Sanamatum), he travels to the border town of Moreh, even crossing into Myanmar. The movie made multiple festival rounds before releasing in theatres in September 2025.

Boong FAQs

Q. What is Boong about?
A. The film is a coming-of-age "urban folktale" set in Manipur. It follows a young boy named Boong who embarks on an adventure to find his absentee father, believing his return is the best gift he can give his mother.

Q. Who directed the movie?
A. It is the debut feature film of Lakshmipriya Devi, who previously worked as an assistant director on major Bollywood projects like PK and Luck By Chance.

Q. Who produced the film?
A. The movie is backed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment, along with Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures.

Q. What language is the film in?
A. The primary language is Meiteilon (Manipuri).