Z has announced the return of one of Hindi cinema’s celebrated platforms, the 24th Zee Cine Awards 2026, promising a fan-first celebration that would place audiences at the heart of cinema’s biggest night. Over the years, the event has evolved from a traditional awards ceremony into a cultural touchpoint, honouring excellence in Hindi cinema, while celebrating the enduring bond between films and their audiences.

According to a Z press release yesterday, the 2026 edition takes the network’s FANtertainment philosophy a step further with the theme ‘Yeh Pal Hai Fans Ka’, reinforcing the belief that cinema’s most unforgettable moments are shaped by the love, loyalty and passion of fans. The awards aim to transform every milestone into a shared experience between stars and their biggest supporters, making fandom central to the celebration.

The announcement was made in Mumbai through a high-energy, fan-driven press conference that set the tone for the season ahead. Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar, Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Aparshakti Khurana, music composer Mithoon and singer Palak Muchhal came together to mark the beginning of this new chapter. Their presence brought warmth, star power and relatability, turning the launch into an immersive experience where fans were not just spectators but active participants.

Staying true to the spirit of ‘Yeh Pal Hai Fans Ka’, the event unfolded with fans shaping key moments of the evening. Akshay heightened the excitement by engaging directly with fans and inviting fellow stars on stage, where he revealed the ground event dates for the Maruti Suzuki presents 24th Zee Cine Awards 2026.

The Zee Cine Awards 2026 will continue as a shared journey across television, digital, print and fan-led platforms, creating sustained engagement from the announcement phase through to the awards night and beyond. The focus remains on deepening emotional connections, expanding participation and recognising fandom as a cultural force that elevates cinema.

Laxmi Shetty, Head–Advertisement Revenue, Broadcast & Digital at ZEEL, said the 24th edition underscores the awards’ stature as one of the most prestigious celebrations of Hindi cinema, powered by Z’s robust omni-channel ecosystem.

She highlighted the continued trust of marquee partners such as Maruti Suzuki, alongside brands like Hell Energy, Rajdhani Dal, L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Gloss, Cadbury Dairy Milk and Balaji Wafers, noting that these collaborations strengthen the platform’s cultural relevance and scale.

Ruchir Tiwari, Chief Cluster Officer–Hindi & Marathi Movies at ZEEL, said the endeavour with each edition is to raise the bar for viewers, promising a 2026 celebration filled with fresh, ambitious storytelling, performances and moments that linger long after the curtains fall.

Artists present at the launch echoed the sentiment. Akshay reflected on his long association with ZEE, calling the Zee Cine Awards a prestigious platform he looks forward to returning to. Tamannaah, Jacqueline and Sonam described the awards as a celebration of cinema, craft and the fans who give films their meaning, while Aparshakti Khurana expressed excitement about returning as host in a year that truly puts audiences in the spotlight.

The 24th Zee Cine Awards 2026 will be held in Mumbai on February 28 and March 1, promising spectacular performances, star-studded glamour and unforgettable moments as Hindi cinema’s biggest celebration returns in grand style.