The award was instituted in 1991 at 39th National Film Awards but awarded first time at 40th National Film Awards and then awarded annually for films produced in the year across the country, in all Indian languages.

At the head of a group of prizes announced on the eve of the end of the festival, Canadian Atom Egoyan's "Exotica" was awarded the International Critics' Prize (FIPRESCI) for films in the official competition here.

The Golden Lotus is awarded for one or several films which are chosen by the jury of each category as the best production of the festival.

CINEMA fairbindet is a special prize awarded by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) for films that put development issues in the spotlight.

The award was instituted in 1979, at 27th National Film Awards as National Film Award for Best Art Direction, and awarded annually for films produced in the year across the country, in all Indian languages.

The award was instituted in 1968, at 16th National Film Awards and awarded annually for films produced in the year across the country, in all Indian languages.

The François Truffaut Award is a French film award awarded at the Giffoni Film Festival for films for children.

During its history the prizes was awarded also for featured films until introduction of the Dovzhenko State Prize in 1994.

At various times, Silver Lions have also been awarded for debut films, short films and direction.