Zee Cine Awards 2026 on OTT: When and where to stream, hosts, performances, winners – all you need to know about Rajkummar Rao and Aparshakti Khurana-hosted star-studded event

Today, March 15, 2026, at 7:30 PM, the world will be graced with the digital and broadcast premiere of the 24th Zee Cine Awards (ZCA). Full coverage of the ceremony will be available on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium) and other Zee Network channels, such as Zee TV and Zee Cinema.

What were the theme and location of this year's Zee Cine Awards?

The event, which took place earlier this month at Mumbai's NSCI Dome, provides a thorough overview of the successes of Hindi cinema in the previous year. With "FANtertainment" as the overarching theme and "Yeh Pal Hai Fans Ka" as the catchphrase, the event gave fans' participation and viewer voting more weight than the more conventional methods of jury selection.

Historical dramas and mass-market entertainers ruled the evening's competitive scene. Chhaava won both the Best Film and Viewer's Choice awards for its outstanding performance by Vicky Kaushal, who was named Best Actor (Male).

ALSO READ: Chhaava movie review: Vicky Kaushal uplifts Laxman Utekar's film with his valiant performance

Who took home the trophies for leading and supporting roles?

In the leading role categories, Akshay Kumar was named Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for his performance in Kesari Chapter 2. Kriti Sanon won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) for Tere Ishk Mein. Ananya Panday received the Best Supporting Actress award for Kesari Chapter 2, while Vineet Singh won Best Supporting Actor (Male) for Chhaava.

The musical drama Saiyaara emerged as a major breakout, sweeping the debut categories. Both Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda took home awards for their debut performances. The Viewer's Choice Best Actor (Female) and a special "Face of the Year" honour were among Padda's three awards.

Which stars provided the night's high-energy entertainment?

Several of Bollywood's biggest stars performed energetically during the show. In a performance that marked his lengthy association with the Zee network, Kumar took centre stage. A medley of Varun Dhawan's classics, including Saturday Saturday and Bijuria, was performed by the actor, who won Best Actor in a Comic Role for Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari as well.

Chhaava themes were reflected in Kaushal's high-energy performance. Featuring musical performances by Palak Muchhal and composer Mithoon.

How did the industry pay tribute to a legendary icon?

The evening was largely devoted to the late legendary actor Dharmendra, who was honoured with a special tribute for his many decades of contributions to Indian cinema.

Aparshakti Khurana and Rajkummar Rao were the event hosts. Khurana, returning for his fourth consecutive year as host, provided the night's humorous interludes and backstage portions.

What debates and controversies have the results sparked online?

The awards have caused a stir in the film industry and online, despite the festive tone. While Sanon's Best Actress victory over Yami Gautam's in Haq has been heavily contested by critics and fans, Kaushal's victory over Ranveer Singh's in 2026's smash movie Dhurandhar has also been the subject of heated controversy.

Starting today at 7:30 PM, viewers will be able to witness the entire three-hour show on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium).