Bhubaneswar, Nov. 21: Members of the Odia film fraternity today gathered at Utkal Mandap here for the presentation ceremony of the 24th State Film Awards.

A number of prominent actors such as Anubhav Mohanty, Siddhant Mohapatra, Anu Choudhury and Mihir Das were present at the ceremony.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik conferred the Jayadev Award, a lifetime achievement award for contribution to the Odia film industry, on filmmaker and lyricist Sarada Prasanna Nayak.

“There could be no better feeling than receiving an honour from your state. I am extremely pleased,” said the Jayadev awardee.

Sabyasachi Mohapatra, who directed the film Sala Budha, won awards in seven categories, including the Best Film and the Best Director ones.

Atal Bihari Panda, who played the 82-year-old protagonist of the film, won the Best Actor award. The film also bagged awards in the Best Art Director, Best Costume Designer, Best Cameraman and the Best Music Director categories.

Awards were conferred on in 27 categories, while nominations were received from 16 films this year.

For her role of a strong policewoman, Archita Sahu won the Best Actress award. “It is an extremely proud moment for me. The role was quite challenging, and I am happy that my skills got recognised,” said Sahu after receiving the award.

While the award for the Best Female Playback Singer was conferred on Ira Mohanty for Mu raja tu rani, the Best Male Playback Singer award went to Ratikanata Satpathy for Rumku Jhumana. Debananda Panda received the Best Story award for Superstar.

Sukumar Mani was acknowledged Best Editing award for ACP Sagarika. As no entries were made, awards were not conferred on in two categories — the Best Children’s Film and the Best Film In Tribal Language.

Culture minister Ashok Chandra Panda, departmental secretary Arabind Padhee and director Sushil Das were also present on the occasion.