5 Unforgettable Awards And Nominations That Defined Sunny Pawar's Career

Sunny Pawar, the prodigious Indian actor who captivated global audiences as the young Saroo Brierley in the Oscar-nominated film *Lion* (2016), continues to be one of the most celebrated child artists in modern cinema. As of December 2025, his career, which began with a humble background in Mumbai, is defined by a remarkable list of international accolades that few actors achieve in a lifetime, let alone a teenager.

This article provides the most up-to-date look at Sunny Pawar's incredible journey, detailing the major awards and nominations he has secured, his key filmography, and his current activities, including his philanthropic work and any hints of new projects in 2025.

Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Sunny Pawar's rise from a slum in Mumbai to the global stage is a true rags-to-riches story, highlighting his raw, natural talent that resonated with audiences and critics worldwide.

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• Full Name: Sunny Pawar
• Date of Birth: 2009 (Exact date often unconfirmed, making him approximately 16 years old in late 2025)
• Place of Birth: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Actor
• Known For: Playing the young Saroo Brierley in the critically acclaimed film *Lion* (2016)
• Major Breakthrough: *Lion* (2016)
• Key Filmography:
  • *Lion* (2016) as Saroo Brierley
  • *Love Sonia* (2017) as Young Pintu
  • *Chippa* (2019) as Chippa
  • *Sacred Games* (2019) (TV Series, 1 episode)
• Current Status (2025): Active in the film industry and involved in philanthropic work.

The Unprecedented Awards and Nominations for 'Lion'

Sunny Pawar’s debut performance in Garth Davis's *Lion* was a critical phenomenon. His portrayal of the five-year-old Saroo Brierley, who is separated from his family and struggles to survive on the streets of Kolkata, earned him immediate international recognition. The film, which also starred Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman, led to a whirlwind of awards season success for the young actor.

Here are the most significant awards and nominations he received for his role in *Lion*:

1. Winner: AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor

This is arguably the most significant award in Sunny Pawar’s career. In a rare and historic move, he won the AACTA Award (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award) for Best Lead Actor at the 7th AACTA Awards in 2017.

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• Award Significance: Winning the Best Lead Actor category, which is typically reserved for adult performers, highlighted the sheer power and depth of his debut performance.
• Event: 7th AACTA Awards, held in Sydney.

2. Nominee: Critics' Choice Award for Best Young Performer

Pawar was nominated for the Critics' Choice Award in the Best Young Performer category. This nomination placed him among the elite group of young actors recognized by the Broadcast Film Critics Association, one of the largest film critics organizations in the United States and Canada.

• Category: Best Young Actor/Actress (often referred to as Best Young Performer).
• Impact: The nomination solidified his place as a major contender during the 2016-2017 awards season.

3. Winner: Rising Star Award

Following the tremendous buzz around *Lion*, Sunny Pawar was honored with a special "Rising Star Award." This accolade recognized his breakout performance and his potential as a future global talent, especially after some major ceremonies, like the Oscars, were criticized for overlooking his performance.

• Recognition: This award was a testament to the emotional impact his role had on the film industry and the public.

4. Group Nomination: Screen Actors Guild Award

While not a direct individual nomination, Sunny Pawar was part of the ensemble cast of *Lion* that received a nomination for the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

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• Entity Recognition: This nomination is a major honor, recognizing the entire cast's contribution to the film's success.
• Co-Nominees: Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara, and others.

5. Nominee: Young Artist Award

Pawar also received a nomination for the Young Artist Award, an American organization that recognizes excellence in young performers. This nomination further cemented his status within the youth acting community in Hollywood.

From International Acclaim to New Horizons: The Post-'Lion' Career (2025 Update)

After the global success of *Lion*, Sunny Pawar carefully selected his next projects, focusing on roles that challenged him and allowed him to grow as an artist.

The Acclaimed Role in 'Chippa'

His next major lead role came in the 2019 film *Chippa*, a Kolkata-set drama about a 10-year-old boy who runs away on his birthday to find his estranged father.

• Best Child Actor Wins: For his work in *Chippa*, Pawar secured multiple awards, including the Best Child Actor award at the 19th New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), and the same award at the DFW South Asian Film Festival.
• Recent Availability: The film *Chippa* saw a resurgence of interest and was highlighted as a "New Released Bengali Movie" in 2024 on platforms like YouTube, bringing his performance to a new wave of viewers.

The Commitment to Social Causes and NGO Work

Beyond his acting career, Sunny Pawar has demonstrated a strong commitment to social welfare. This is the most recent and relevant information about his non-acting life, showcasing his maturity and dedication to giving back to the community that raised him.

• Philanthropic Role: He is actively involved in NGO work, serving as a Project Manager at the Shree Ramanugrah Trust, where he helps initiate welfare and empowerment projects.
• Future Projects Hint: Earlier reports indicated he would be part of a film with actress Tamannaah Bhatia, inspired by the Indian government's 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) campaign. While the film’s specific 2025 release title remains unconfirmed, this focus on social messaging underscores his thoughtful approach to his career.

Sunny Pawar's journey from a Mumbai slum to winning a major AACTA Award is a powerful story of talent and perseverance. His early success with *Lion* and subsequent wins for *Chippa* have set a high bar for his future career. As he continues to grow and take on new roles, both on-screen and in the social sector, the world waits to see what new awards and impactful performances this young star will deliver next.