Rian Mukherjee Wins Best Child Actor at Los Angeles Film Awards for Hindi Film Manzil

Debutant actor Rian Mukherjee has won the Best Child Actor award at the Los Angeles Film Awards 2026 for his role in the Hindi film Manzil.

Cast and Crew

The film is directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee, who is also Rian's father. The lead roles are played by Rituparna Sengupta, Sanjay Suri, and Abhishek Kumar. Dhanbad Talkies and Endeavour Films produced the movie, with Rajesh Singh and Sharmistha Mukherjee as producers, while Rituparna Sengupta serves as the creative producer. The story follows a writer and a photographer who meet by accident at a resort.

Roles and Reactions

Rian plays Aron, the son of the writer Ananya, a character portrayed by Rituparna Sengupta. Ram Kamal Mukherjee stated that his son has no formal training and knew his lines by heart. Rituparna Sengupta noted that she has watched Rian grow up since birth and knew he would make an impact. Jury member and veteran actor Jean Vincentelli praised Rian for competing with international child actors and winning due to his natural screen presence and restrained voice modulation. Rian described himself as an accidental actor who enjoys the work because it lets him spend time with his father.

Other Winners

Rian was the only Indian winner at the event. Other winners included Jingnu Ning for Best Picture for A Palmful of Stars, Phil Aman for Best Actor for Soundcheck, and Nazakati Maihemuti for Best Actress for A Palmful of Stars. The first look of Manzil was previously shown at an award ceremony in Mumbai.

Context

International film festivals often serve as platforms for independent and regional Indian films to gain global recognition before wider theatrical releases. Awards in specific categories like child acting help highlight debut talent on a worldwide stage.