These are considered the highest awards for Kannada language films.
They are given annually by the Government of Karnataka to honor the best talent and to provide encouragement and incentive to the Kannada film industry.
[1] The awards are decided by a committee, headed by a panel of judges.
The jury usually consists of eminent personalities from the film field.
[2][3][4][5][6][7] On 14 November 2016,Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah declared that the State Government will present the Karnataka State Film Awards on 24 April, the birthday of thespian Dr. Rajkumar, every year henceforth.