Nandi Awards

The Nandi Awards (Telugu: నంది పురస్కారాలు) is the highest award ceremony for excellence in Telugu cinema, Telugu Theater, Telugu Television, and Life time achievements in Indian cinema, presented annually by Government's of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. "Nandi" means "bull", the awards being named after the big granite bull at Lepakshi — a cultural and historical symbol of Telugus. Nandi Awards are presented in four categories: Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Copper. A variant, Nandi Natakotsavam Awards for Theater is also given every year by the government for social, mythological and poetic dramas.

Annually, a state panel appointed by the government selects the winning entry, and the award ceremony is held in Hyderabad, where in the Chief Minister gives away the awards. A list of rules is presented every year in a document of regulations. The criteria for eligibility contains many clauses. Among them, there is a direct requirement for the makers of a film, and particularly films entering the competition should be produced in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and in case of co-production involving a foreign entity, there are as many conditions which should be fulfilled in order for the film to qualify.