The Filmfare Awards are announced annually by The Times Group to honor both artistic and technical excellence for professionals in the Bollywood film industry. The Filmfare ceremony is one of the oldest and most prominent film events given for Bollywood films in India. The awards are first introduced in 1954, at the same year as the National Film Awards and were initially referred to as the Clare Awards after the editor of The Times of India, Famous Clare Mendionca. A dual voting system was developed in 1956. Under this system, "in contrast to the National Film Awards, they are decided by the very honorable panel appointed by Indian Government, the Filmfare Awards are voted for by both the public and a committee." The Filmfare Awards have been often referred as Bollywood's Oscar.

Awards

As of 2005, there are 31 awards announced. There is a separate category of film-critics awards, decided by noted film-critics selected by ht committee rather than popular voters. This dual format generated some controversy amongst viewers and recipients. Awards are given in the following Divisions.

Merit Awards

• Best Film
• Best Director
• Best Actor
• Best Actress
• Best Supporting Actor
• Best Supporting Actress
• Best Villain
• Best Comedian
• Best Male Debut
• Best Female Debut
• Best Music Director
• Best Lyricist
• Best Male Playback
• Best Female Playback

• Technical Awards
• Best Action
• Best Art Direction
• Best Background Score
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Choreography
• Best Story
• Best Screenplay
• Best Dialogue
• Best Sound Recording
• Best Special Effects
• Best Costumes

• Critics' Awards
• Best Movie
• Best Performance (Actor and Actress)
• Best Documentary

• Special Awards
• Lifetime Achievement
• Power Award
• Special Performance Award
• Best Scene of the Year
• R.D. Burman Award for New Music Talent