Highlights from the National Film Award 2015

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina conferred the National Film Awards to the winners through a ceremony held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital on Monday. Since the winners were already announced by the Ministry of Information, the names were not really surprises to anyone, as artists went onto the stage to receive one of the most coveted honours in the film industry in the country. Here are some talking points from Monday’s ceremony of the 40th edition of the awards. PHOTO: FOCUS BANGLAJaya values the National Award over anything elseFor the third time, she has been honoured with the prestigious award for her role in Zero Degree. She brought her mother along to the award ceremony held on Monday, which she attended instead of an international film award event she was also invited to. The celebrated actress ditched her plan to go abroad, and stayed for the ceremony of the National Film Awards. Even the Prime Minister praised her show of love and respect for the country.PM says “You’re taking away all the awards”Bapjaner Bioscope, a debut directorial venture of Reazul Rezu, clinched a total of eight awards, the highest in 2015 edition of the award. His film won eight out of 21 categories. So, when Reazul Rezu  stepped onto the stage for the fifth or sixth time to receive the award, the PM jokingly said, “Young man, You’re taking away all the awards!”Shabana’s emotional speechAt the beginning of the ceremony, the life-time achievement awards were handed over to the winners, and two documentaries focusing on the life and works of the recipients were shown. Then Shabana gave a speech. She expressed her gratitude to the filmmakers and co-workers she worked with in the past. She said, “I dedicate this award to those for whom I have become ‘Shabana’. Though I live out of the country now, but my memory always roams around FDC.” At one point of her speech, the actress became emotional, struggling to contain tears. Photo: Focus BanglaThe other receipient of the life-time achievement award was Ferdousi Rahman, who couldn’t attend the ceremony because of health difficulties. On behalf of Rahman, her daughter-in-law received the award.Humayun’s family receive on behalf of himFor the 7th time, the iconic writer won the National Film Awards, and for the second time as a dialogue writer, for Morshedul Islam’s Anil Bagchir Ekdin. Meher Afroz Shaon received the award on behalf of him from the Prime Minister. Shaon went on to the stage with her two sons, Nishad Ahmed and Ninit Ahmed, to receive the award.Shakib Khan left earlyThe king of Dhallywood won his third National Award for his portrayal in Aro Bhalobashbo Tomay. But Shakib Khan left the ceremony early, even before the cultural performances presented by the stars of Dhallywood. Many have speculated on social media that the actor only did so to avoid watching a performance of his wife Apu Biswas, with whom he has had a rocky relationship. Others speculated that he was not invited to perform in the show, which is why he left early, even before the Prime Minister.Full list of winners: Film: Bapjaner Bioscope, Anil Bagchir EkdinDirector: Reazul Mawla Rezu, Bapjaner Bioscope Morshedul Islam, Anil Bagchir EkdinActor: Shakib Khan, Aro Bhalobasbo Tomay Mahfuz Ahmed, Zero DegreeActress: Joya Ahsan, Zero DegreeActor in a Supporting Role: Gazi Rakayet, Anil Bagchir EkdinActress in a Supporting Role: Toma Mirza, NodijonActor in a Negative Role: Iresh Zaker, Chuey Dile MonChild Artist: Zara Zarib and Promia Rahman, PrarthonaMusic Director: Swani Zubayeer, Anil Bagchir Ekdin Music Composer: S I Tutul, Bapjaner BioscopeLyricist: Amirul Islam, Bapjaner BioscopeMale Playback Singer: Subir Nandi, Mohua Sundori, S I Tutul, Bapjaner BioscopeFemale Playback Singer: Priyanka Gope, Anil Bagchir EkdinStory: Masum Reza, Bapjaner BioscopeDialogue: Humayun Ahmed, Anil Bagchir EkdinScreenplay: Masum Reza and Reazul Rezu, Bapjaner BioscopeCinematography: Mahfuzur Rahman Khan, Padma Patar JolArt Direction: Maruf Samurai, Zero DegreeEditing: Mehedi Rony, Bapjaner BioscopeSound Recording: Ratan Kumar Paul, Zero DegreeCostume Design: Muskan Sumaika, Padma Patar JolMake-up: Shafik, Jalaler Golpo