THIRUVANATHAPURAM: The first Mannarakayam Baby Memorial Awards 2010 has been announced.
The awards instituted by the Mannarakayam Baby Memorial Trust was announced by actor Mammootty at Thiruvananthapuram Press Club hall on Saturday.
The awards have been declared in five categories associated with the literature in Malayalam cinema. The award for the best script writer is for Ranjith for his much acclaimed movie 'Paleri Manikyamoru pathira kolapathakathinte katha'. Jnanpith winner poet O N V Kurup has been selected as the best lyricist for the movie 'Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja'.
G P Ramachandran was declared the best author for his book on Malayalam cinema 'Malayala cinemadeshambashasamskaram'. M K Chandrasekharan is the best film writer for his article 'Tarkovskyadhikaravargathode ennum kalahichu ninna prathiba'.
Jisen Paul has been awarded for best poster designing for the film 'Neelathamara'.
The award comprises Rs 10,001 cash prize and a citation. Mannarakayam Baby was one among the pioneer among Malayalam film critics.
He was an employee at BSNL and was better known for his love and works related with cinema.
Mammootty in his inaugural address spoke about his longterm association with Baby.
The actor recollected how Baby had been generous to him during the beginning stages of his career.
He also spoke about the pivotal role played by the Kerala Film Critics Association spearheaded by Baby in the field of Malayalam cinema. He highlighted the unbiased attitude regarding the award declaration that the Association has always followed and which had always influenced other awards in the industry.
The Trust has been formed by the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club and friends of Mannarakayam Baby.
J Hareendran Nair, managing director of Pankajakasturi is the president of the Trust.
Biju Chandrasekhar is the Secretary. Executive members G Suresh Kumar, Santhivila Dinesh and M Ranjith were also present at the function.
