The National Film Awards are considered as one of the country’s oldest and prestigious awards. The year 1954 saw the establishment of the national awards and from 1973 the ceremonies are administrated by the Indian government’s Directorate of Film Festivals. The awards were introduced to honor and encourage the films which were directed across India featuring Indian art and culture. The winners are selected by a national panel appointed by the government every year and are honored with a cash prize of Rs.1, 00,000 and a Swarna Kamal. The President of India hands out the awards in New Delhi. The event is followed by the launch of the National Film Festival, where the award winning movies are screened for the public.
The Sub-Categories Of Golden Lotus Award Are:
- Best Film: The inaugural award was presented to the film ‘Shyamchi Aai’ which was directed by P.K.Atre in 1954.
- Best Direction: The award was introduced in the year 1968 and was first presented to Satyajit Ray for the film ‘Chiriakhana’.
- Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: The award was first presented to the film ‘Kora Kagaz’ in 1975 which was directed by Anil Ganguly.
- Best Children's Film: The award is presented to the best film that deals with themes surrounding children.