Today, the Kerala Government announced the winners of its 50th State Film Awards. A total of 119 films were submitted, compared to the previous year's 104 films, This year's race included big-budget movies such as Lucifer, Mamangam, and the yet-to-be-released Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham, directed by Priyadarshan and starring Mohanlal. Critical and commercial favourites such as Kumbalangi Nights, Thanneer Mathan Dinangal, Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25, Jallikattu, Moothon and more were part of the list.
This year's jury was chaired by cinematographer Madhu Ambat while filmmakers Salim Ahmed and Abrid Shine, cinematographer Vipin Mohan, editor L Bhoominathan, sound engineer S Radhakrishnan, playback singer Lathika, actress Jomol, writer Benyamin and Chalachitra Academy member-secretary C Ajoy comprised the jury.
Here is the list of winners.
Best Film: Vasanthi
Best Second Film: Kenjira
Best Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery (Jallikattu)
Best Actor: Suraj Venjaramoodu (Android Kunjappan, Vikurthi)
Best Actress: Kani Kusruti (Biriyaani)
Best Supporting Actor: Fahadh Faasil (Kumbalangi Nights)
Best Supporting Actress: Swasika Vijay (Vasanthi)
Best Composer: Sushin Shyam (Kumbalangi Nights)
Best Playback Singer (Male): Najeem Arshad
Best Playback Singer (Female): Madhushree Narayanan
Best Art Director: Jyothish
Best Sync Sound: Madhavan Nair
Best Popular Film: Kumbalangi Nights
Best Debutant Director: Ratheesh Poduval (Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25)
Jury Award for Best VFX: Sidharth Priyadarshan (Marakkar: Arabikdalinte Simham)
Jury Mentions include Music director V Dakshinamoorthy (Shyamaraagam), Nivin Pauly (Moothon), Anna Ben (Helen) and Priyamvada Krishnan (Thottappan).
Best Children's Film: Nani
Best Screenplay (Original): Rahman Brothers (Vasanthi)
Best Screenplay (Adapted): PS Rafeeque (Thottappan)
Best Child Artist (Male): Vasudev Sajeesh Mara, Sullu and Kallanottam
Best Child Artist (Female): Catherine Viji, Nani
Best Editor: Kiran Das (Ishq)
Best Cinematography: Prathap V Nair (Kenchira)
Best Dubbing Artist Male: Vineeth (Lucifer and Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simha)