Veteran award-winning film director K.G. George was on Tuesday announced winner of the prestigious J.C. Daniel Award for his overall contribution to the Malayalam film industry.

The award will be given away along with the State Film Awards at a function to be held at Palakkad next month.

George won the National Award for the Best Film in Malayalam through his debut film "Swapnadanam" in 1975. And since then went on to grab nine State Awards for his films which include "Yavanika", "Irakal" and "Adaminte Variyal".

It was through "Yavanika" in 1982 that reigning superstar Mammootty was first noticed as an actor.

George, 70, did his last film in 1998, following which his health deteriorated and has virtually retired from the industry.

The award is considered the top one in the industry and given by the Kerala government to honour a film personality for the work he has done.