Tamil Cinema's Finest: Leading Actors Who Have Won the National Award for Acting

3 National Awards

Kamal Haasan is widely regarded as one of Indian cinema’s most accomplished and versatile actors. With a career spanning over six decades, he has left an indelible mark across various industries, including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Bengali cinema. Beyond acting, he is also an acclaimed writer, director, lyricist, singer, and choreographer. Kamal Haasan has won the National Film Award for Best Actor three times for his powerful performances in Moondram Pirai, Nayagan, and Indian, cementing his legacy as a true cinematic icon.

2 National Awards

Dhanush has emerged as one of the most talented and bankable stars in contemporary Tamil cinema. Known for his natural screen presence and versatility, he has also made his mark as a singer, lyricist, producer, and director. Dhanush won the National Film Award for Best Actor twice — for Aadukalam (2010), where he played a cockfighter with emotional depth, and Asuran (2019), in which he delivered a powerful portrayal of a rural man battling social injustice. Both roles showcased his remarkable ability to transform into deeply rooted characters.

1 National Award

Vikram is celebrated for his intense method acting and physical transformations, often immersing himself completely into each role. His commitment to performance earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor for Pithamagan (2003), where he portrayed a graveyard caretaker with minimal dialogue but immense emotional weight. The film and his role were widely acclaimed, highlighting his ability to convey complex emotions through expression and body language alone.

1 National Award

Suriya Sivakumar has steadily risen to become one of Tamil cinema’s most respected and successful actors. Known for balancing commercial and critically acclaimed projects, his breakthrough as a national-level performer came with Soorarai Pottru released on 2020. For his role as a determined man from humble beginnings who dreams of launching his own airline, he received the National Film Award for Best Actor. The performance was lauded for its emotional intensity and authenticity, proving Suriya's range and dedication to his craft.