At Talisman Awards, moments like these fill us with genuine joy and quiet pride. Watching Indian talent shine on a global stage reminds us why recognition matters so deeply. The 79th British Academy Film Awards (commonly known as the BAFTAs), held on February 22, 2026, at London’s Royal Festival Hall, delivered a historic breakthrough for Indian cinema. The Manipuri-language film Boong, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Farhan Akhtar alongside Ritesh Sidhwani, Alan McAlex and others, won the Best Children’s & Family Film award. This victory marks the first time an Indian production has claimed this category and the first full Indian film win in any BAFTA category beating out formidable competitors like Disney’s Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch and the Natalie Portman-backed Arco.
Boong is a tender coming-of-age story set in Manipur’s borderlands near Myanmar. It follows a young boy named Boong on an emotional journey to reunite his family amid personal and regional challenges. The film’s authentic storytelling, rooted in Northeast India’s lived realities, touched hearts worldwide. On the night, director Lakshmipriya Devi accepted the award in Manipuri, sharing a heartfelt plea for peace in her home state. Producers Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani and Alan McAlex joined her on stage, beaming with shared accomplishment. This win isn’t just a trophy, it’s a powerful affirmation for regional voices, proving that stories from India’s diverse corners can resonate universally.
What Makes the BAFTA Awards So Special?
The BAFTAs, presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, stand as one of the world’s most respected honours in screen arts. Founded in 1947 as the British Film Academy by visionaries like David Lean, Laurence Olivierand Alexander Korda, it merged with television guilds in 1958 and evolved into BAFTA in 1976. The iconic bronze mask trophy, designed by sculptor Mitzi Cunliffe in 1955, has symbolised excellence for over seven decades.
Held annually since 1949 (with the first ceremony at Odeon Leicester Square), the BAFTAs celebrate the finest British and international contributions to film, television and games. Often seen as a key predictor for the Oscars, they honour artistic merit, technical brilliance and storytelling that moves audiences. The 2026 ceremony, hosted by Alan Cumming, highlighted films from 2025, with One Battle After Another leading with six wins, including Best Film. Yet amid the glamour, Boong‘s triumph stole hearts as a landmark for inclusivity and regional representation.
Indian connections to the BAFTAs run deep. Rohini Hattangadi won Supporting Actress for Gandhi in 1982, A.R. Rahman and Resul Pookutty earned honours for international work talents like Adarsh Gourav received nominations. But Boong stands alone as the first Indian film to secure a BAFTA win outright—a milestone celebrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, actors like Kangana Ranaut and fans across the country.
Honouring Such Moments with Meaningful Trophies
At Talisman Awards, we know these victories deserve more than applause as they deserve symbols that endure. The BAFTA mask is iconic on stage, but personal or commemorative trophies add intimate layers of pride. Whether for the director, producers, cast, crew, or even community celebrations back home, the right trophy transforms a fleeting moment into lasting inspiration.
As a dedicated trophy manufacturer in Mumbai, we craft pieces that capture the essence of achievement with elegance and thoughtfulness. For cinematic milestones like Boong, we draw from materials and designs that feel premium yet deeply personal:
- Crystal trophies — Nothing conveys clarity and brilliance quite like crystal. Light dances through these pieces, echoing the film’s emotional depth and the sparkle of global recognition. Engraved with titles, names, or a simple message like “First Indian BAFTA Winner,” crystal trophies become heirlooms that gleam on shelves or in display cases, reminding recipients of their journey every day.
- Customised trophies — Every story is unique, so why should the recognition be standard? Our customised trophies allow full personalisation, incorporating Manipuri motifs, borderland imagery, family symbols from the film, or even subtle Northeast-inspired elements. From shape and size to colour accents and precise engravings, we tailor each one to reflect the heart behind the win, making it feel truly bespoke.
- 3D trophies — For a modern, immersive touch, 3D trophies bring depth and narrative to life. Imagine layered sculptures depicting a child’s journey, a family reunion, or symbolic border elements, creating a visual story that stands out in photos, events, or exhibitions. These designs feel innovative and forward-thinking, perfectly suiting groundbreaking achievements
- Fibre trophies — Practical yet striking, fibre trophies offer lightweight durability for larger displays, team sets, or traveling celebrations. They support vibrant colours, intricate details and bold forms without heaviness, ideal for sharing the pride across communities or film festivals.
These trophies aren’t just awards rather they’re quiet companions that keep the spirit alive. A crystal trophy catching morning light in a director’s home, a customised trophy inspiring young filmmakers in Manipur, or a 3D trophy displayed at screenings: each one extends the moment’s warmth far beyond the ceremony.
Why Recognition Like This Inspires Us
Watching Boong triumph reminds us of cinema’s power to bridge worlds. In a year when global stages embraced diverse voices, this win celebrates authenticity over spectacle. As a Mumbai-based team passionate about craftsmanship, we feel connected to these stories—honouring not only the spotlight but the unseen dedication, cultural pride and courage it takes to share them.
If you’re part of a film project, creative team, corporate milestone, or any achievement worth remembering, we’re here to help. Let’s design trophies that match the emotion of the moment all the more thoughtful, elegant and built to last.
Heartfelt congratulations to Lakshmipriya Devi, Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Alan McAlex, the entire Boong family and all who made this possible. Your win lights the way for countless stories yet to be told. May it inspire more Indian voices to reach the world, with recognition that honours them beautifully.
