The annual award, named after J C Daniel, who made the first silent movie in Kerala, was announced by the Office of the Minister for Cinema A K Balan in a statement here today.
The award, conferred by the state government annually in recognition of an individual's contribution to Malayalam cinema, comprises Rs 1 lakh and a citation.
It will be presented to Gopalakrishnan during the state film award distribution function to be held at Thalassery.
His debut feature film 'Swayamvaram' (1972) went on to win the national award for best film, best director, best cameraman and best actress.
Some of his other works include 'Elippathayam,' 'Mukhamukham', 'Anantaram', 'Mathilukal', 'Vidheyan', 'Kathapurushan' and 'Nizhalkkuthu.
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