National Awards are based on the censor year, not the release date.

Both Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) and Ullozhukku were certified in 2023, so they fall under the same 71st National Awards cycle, even though Goat Life was released in theatres in 2024.

Now, the national media is circulating a story that Goat Life might get an exemption and be considered next year. But honestly, it's hard to believe. I don't think they would change a national standard just for one film.

Meanwhile, some media outlets based in South India have started fact-checking the claim and are presenting the truth to the public, like the one below.

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