It was a star-studded gala, as the grand reception of the National Film Awards was held yesterday at Bangabandhu International Convention Centre.

The awards were handed over to recipients in 27 categories. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended the event virtually as Chief Guest, while Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud conferred the awards on her behalf.

In her speech, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of films from the cultural perspective.

Hasanul Haq Inu, Chairman, Standing Committee of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, was present as the special guest.

During the event, the Lifetime Achievement Award was jointly given to esteemed artistes Anwara Begum and Raisul Islam Asad for the year 2020.

Anwara Begum's daughter Mukti received the award on her behalf, due to her illness.

Siam Ahmed was presented with the award for Best Actor in a Lead Role (Male) for his performance in "Bishwoshundori".

"My family was overjoyed when the awards were announced. My wife was really proud as well," Siam told The Daily Star.

Deepanwita Martin won the award for Best Actor in a Lead Role (Female) for her role in "Gor".

"The credit for my National Film Award goes to Gazi Rakayet, He made "Gor" with great passion and care," said the young actress.

Gazi Rakayet and Faridur Reza Sagar's "Gor" (The Grave), and Anjan Chowdhury's "Bishwoshundori", jointly won the award for Best Film.

Gazi Rakayet won 4 awards for his work in “Gor”, the most this year;

Noted actor Misha Sawdagor won the award for Best Actor in a Negative Role for "Bir", whereas Fazlur Rahman Babu won the award for Best Supporting Actor (Male) for his role in "Bishwoshundori". Aparna Ghose won the award for Best Supporting Actor (Female) for her performance in "Gondi".

Mugdhota Morshed Wriddhi won the award for Best Child Artiste for "Gondi".

"Bangabandhur Rajnoitik Jibon o Bangladesher Obbhyudoy", directed by Syed Ashique Rahman, won the award for Best Documentary. "Aarong", directed by Jannatul Ferdaus, was awarded under the Best Short Film category.

Belal Khan won the award for Best Music Director for his work in "Bishshash Jodi Jayre" for the album, "Hridoy Jurey". Imran Mahmudul and Dilshad Nahar Kona won the Best Singer awards for their song "Tui Ki Amar Hobi Re" from the film "Bishwoshundori." Somnur Monir Konal also won the Best Singer (Female) award for her song "Bhalobashar Manush Tumi" from the film "Bir."

Kabir Bakul, Belal Khan, Imran and Kona won awards this year;

Deepanwita Martin received her first National Award (Best Actress).

The other awardees were: Kabir Bakul for Best Lyricist (Tui Ki Amar Hobi Re), Imran Mahmudul for Best Composer (Tui Ki Amar Hobi Re), Gazi Rakayet for Best Story and Best Screenplay (Gor), Fakhrul Arefeen Khan for Best Dialogue (Gondi), Uttam Kumar Guha for Best Art Direction (Gor), Pankaj Palit and Mahbub Ullah Niaz for Best Cinematographer (Gor), Shariful Islam for Best Editor (Gor), Mohammad Ali Babul for Best Makeup (Gor), Kazi Selim Ahmed for Best Sound Designer, Enamtara Begum for Best Costume.

A cultural programme followed, with performances from Emon, Dighi, Saimon, Tama Mirza, and Puja Chery. Veteran artistes Rozina, Anjana, and Aruna Biswas also graced the occasion with their performances. Ferdous and Purnima hosted the event.

Singers Abida Sultana, Momtaz, Luipa, Protic Hasan, Rafiqul Alam serenaded the audience.

"Gor" and "Bishwoshundori" bagged the highest number of awards, with 11 and 8 wins, respectively.

SK