THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The winners of the 53rd Kerala state film awards have been announced by Minister for Culture Saji Cherian. Mammootty has bagged the prestigious best actor award for his brilliant performance in Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam directed by Lijo Jose Pallissery. Vincy Aloshious has been adjudged best actress for her role in Rekha. This is the eighth time Mammootty is receiving the best actor award.
Mahesh Narayanan has been adjudged the best director for Ariyippu. There is special jury mention for Alencier and Kunchacko Boban.Best script writer is Ratheesh Balakrishna Poduval for Nna Than Case Kodu.Best supporting actress is Devi Varma for Saudi Vellakka and best supporting actor is T P Unnikrishnan (Nna Than Case Kodu).The minister announced the awards after paying homage to former chief minister Oommen Chandy.There is a special mention for Nna Than Case Kodu. This film has been chosen as the most popular film. Best debut director is Shahi Kabeer (Ilaveezha Poonchira). Best choreographer is Shoby Paul Raj for Thallumala.

Best female playback singer is Mridula Warrier for Pathombathaom Noottandu and male singer is Kapil Kabilan. Best music director is M Jayachandran. Best background music is for Don Vincent (Nna Than Case Kodu). Best editor is Nishad Yousuf (Thallumala).

Best female dubbing artiste is Pouli Wilson, film Saudi Vellakka, and male is Shoby Thilakan for Pathombatham Noottandu. Best costume designer is Manjusha Radhakrishnan, film Saudi Vellakka.Best book on cinema- C S Venkiteswaran

Special jury mention (direction) -Vishwajith, RarishAbout 154 films were submitted for the awards this year, under different categories and 30 made it to the final round. The winners were selected by the jury led by Gautam Ghosh.