Karnataka State Film Awards

Karnataka State Film Awards are the most notable and prestigious film awards given for Kannada film industry in Karnataka, India. These are considered the highest awards for Kannada language films. They are given annually by the Government of Karnataka to honor the best talent and to provide encouragement and incentive to the Kannada film industry.

The awards are decided by a committee, headed by a panel of judges. The jury usually consists of eminent personalities from the film field. The awards intend to promote films with artistic values and to encourage artists, technicians and producers. The awards are declared by the Minister for Cultural Affairs and are presented by the Chief Minister of Karnataka.

On 14 November 2016,Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah declared that the State Government will present the Karnataka State Film Awards on 24 April, the birthday of thespian Dr. Rajkumar, every year henceforth.

Creative awards

 * First Best Film
 * Second Best Film
 * Third Best Film
 * Fourth Best Film
 * Best Social Film
 * Best Children Film
 * Best Regional Film
 * Best Family Entertainer
 * Best Debut Film of New Director
 * Best Director
 * Best Actor
 * Best Actress
 * Best Supporting Actor
 * Best Supporting Actress
 * Best Child Actor (Male)
 * Best Child Actor (Female)
 * Best Music Director
 * Best Male Playback Singer
 * Best Female Playback Singer
 * Best Dubbing Artist (Male)
 * Best Dubbing Artist (Female)

Technical awards

 * Best Cinematographer
 * Best Editor
 * Best Lyricist
 * Best Sound Recorder
 * Best Art Direction
 * Best Story
 * Best Screenplay
 * Best Dialogue

Special awards

 * Lifetime Contribution to Kannada Cinema Award
 * Jury's Special Award
 * Best Book on Kannada Cinema
 * Best Short Film

Honorary awards

 * Puttanna Kanagal Award
 * Dr. Rajkumar Award
 * Dr. Vishnuvardhan Award