The awards are named after the monolithic sculpture of the sacred bull, Nandi, at Lepakshi, a cultural and historical symbol of the Telugu people.

The Nandi Awards are categorised into four levels: Swarnam (Gold), Rajatam (Silver), Kamsyam (Bronze), and Raagi (Copper).

The Government has transferred the activity relating to conferring Nandi Awards to the Film Television and Theatre Development Corporation.

[7] The award is named after Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu, and presented annually to "an eminent film personality for his outstanding contribution to Telugu cinema."

[8] The NTR National Award is named in the memory of former chief minister and actor N. T. Rama Rao, and is presented to "an eminent film personality every year for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema."

[19] The producer of Race Gurram (2014), Nallamalupu Bujji felt that his film was ignored despite being "the biggest hit of 2014" as they did not indulge in lobbying.

[21] Actor-director Posani Krishna Murali returned his Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actor (2015), condemning Lokesh's comments.