Prestigious Awards

There are several types of award ceremonies in the world that felicitate the contribution made by the various people in the diverse fields. Among these are a few which have become famous and revered for their significance.

Nobel Prizes

Established in Alfred Nobel’s will in 1895 it was first awarded in Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, Literature and Peace in 1901. These prizes are regarded as the most prestigious in the specific fields together with the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences. With the exception of the Nobel Peace Prize, the Nobel Prizes and the Prize in Economics are presented in Stockholm, Sweden, at the annual Prize Award Ceremony on December 10, the anniversary of Nobel's death.  The Nobel Peace Prize and its recipients' lectures are presented at the annual Prize Award Ceremony in Oslo, Norway, also on December 10.

Academy Awards

Popularly known as the ‘Oscars’ these awards are presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to recognize the the excellence of professionals in the film industry. It is definitely the most coveted film industry award ceremony in the world which defines the stars, cast as well as the other crew in the future.  

Grammy Awards

Originally called the Gramophone Awards these awards are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States for outstanding achievements in the record industry. Featuring prominent artists at the ceremonies, the Grammys are considered the highest music honor, the US record industry's equivalent to the Oscars for motion pictures.

Emmy Awards

These are television production awards, similar in nature to the Peabody Awards but more focused on entertainment, and is considered the television equivalent to the Oscars. They are presented in various sectors of the television industry, including entertainment programming, news and documentary shows, and sports programming. As such, the awards are presented in various area-specific ceremonies held annually throughout the year.

Tony Awards

The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes achievement in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City. The awards are given for Broadway productions and performances, and an award is given for regional theatre.

Sarasavi Awards

These are the most prestigious awards that are given to the distinguished individuals involved in Sinhala Cinema. Just like the Oscars for the Hollywood fans and Filmfare Awards for the Bollywood fans, it is the Sarasaviya Awards for the Sri Lankans. Started in 1964 it was first held at the Asoka Cinema Hall. Around 25 awards and a few merit awards are given away every year.

Pulitzer Awards

These are American awards regarded as the highest national honor in newspaper journalism, literary achievements and musical composition. It is administered by Columbia University in New York City. Prizes are awarded yearly in twenty-one categories. In twenty of these, each winner receives a certificate and a US$10,000 cash reward. The prize was established by Joseph Pulitzer, a Hungarian-American journalist and newspaper publisher, who left money to Columbia University upon his death in 1911. A portion of his bequest was used to found the university's journalism school in 1912. The first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded in 1917, and they are now announced each April. Recipients are chosen by an independent board.