The 48th Kerala State Film Awards proved to be refreshingly different, recognising a supporting actor for his role in a gritty, hard-hitting avatar and giving him the main award.

Putting an end to speculations over the past few days, actor Vinayakan has bagged the award for the best actor for his outstanding performance in "Kammattipaadam".

Rajisha who played the lead role in "Anuraga Karikkin Vellam" won the best actor (female) category.

It is double joy for journalist and director Vidhu Vincent, for her film "Manhole" on manual scavenging in Kerala. While Manhole was selected as the best film, Vidhu also won the award for the best director.

(A still for Vidhu Vincent's "Manhole")

Minister for Culture AK Balan announced the awards on Tuesday.

The entire list is as follows:

Best actor (male): Vinayakan

Best actor (female): Rajisha

Best film: Manhole

Best director: Vidhu Vincent

Cinematographer MJ Radhakrishnan (Kaadu pookkum kaalam)

Best music composer- ONV (Kamboji)

Best singer (female)-  KS Chithra ( Kanboji)

Best Music director- M Jayachandran (Kamboji)

Best singer (male) -  Sooraj (Gappi)

Best actor in supporting role (male)- Manikandan Achari ( Kammattipadam)

Best actor in supporting role (female)- Kanchana VK

Child artist (female) - Abani Anand (Kochouva Paulo Ayyapa Coelho)

Child artist (male)- Chethan (Gappi)

Best debutant director -Shanavas Bavukutty (Kismat)

Script writier- Shyam  Pushkaran

Background score- Vishnu Vijayan (Gappi)