Accolades for stellar OTT performers
The Bangabandhu International Conference Centre glittered last night as celebrities, influencers, and artistes gathered for the third edition of the coveted Blender's Choice-The Daily Star OTT & Digital Content Awards.
The event was held to honour outstanding OTT and digital content created between January and December 2023.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The ceremony began at 6:40pm with a one-minute silence to pay tribute to the dead and the injured in the July uprising.
A thematic dance performance by Alif and Shahnaz Sumi then kickstarted the extravaganza.
In a welcome address, Ispahani Group Director Mirza Ahmed Ispahani extended special thanks to The Daily Star, Channel i, and TikTok for organising the event.
In the past, people primarily consumed content on television, but now more people are watching content on OTT platforms.
"There are 131 million internet users and 23 million active social media users in Bangladesh. In the past, people primarily consumed content on television, but as times evolve, more people are now watching content on OTT platforms."
He congratulated the nominees and awardees, and hoped that this recognition would elevate the industry to new heights.
Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, said the advent of OTT platforms in Bangladesh came at a challenging time when there was a lack of good entertainment content, younger audiences were not being pulled in, and the industry was going through a tough phase.
"With the arrival of OTT, the country experienced an artistic revolution that fostered creativity and led to a significant cultural renaissance within a large group of people.
"I am astonished, inspired, and amazed when I see beautiful films being made in our country, showcasing creativity. Through these creative efforts, a cultural renaissance is taking place, leading to a profound artistic revolution in our society."
Singer Elita Karim and Tashfee then graced the stage with songs that demanded singalongs.
A total of 29 on-screen and off-screen talents were awarded in four main categories: Individual Content, Music, Critics' Choice and Popular Choice.
In addition, a special accolade called the People's Choice award was also bestowed.
The awards were presented by distinguished figures from various industries.
Jon Kabir won the Best Content Creator (podcast) award.
"The set design, the uniform and the overall environment of the team helped me a lot portray this character. I wish Ashfaque Nipun keeps making Mohanagar instalments and I keep playing OC Harun."
Abanti Sithi and Mahtim Sakib shared the Best Singer Award for their performance in "Pakhi Pakhi Mon", while Sajid Sarker earned the Best Music Composer award for his exceptional work in the same production.
Mosharraf Karim was honoured as the Best Actor (male) in the popular choice category for his role in Mohanagar-2, whereas Azmeri Haque Badhan and Tasnia Farin jointly received the Best Actor (female) award for their performances in Guti and Nikosh, respectively.
Unish20 won the Best Film/Drama/Series award in the critics' choice category.
Shihab Shaheen and Robiul Alam Robi jointly received the Best Scriptwriter (story) award for "Myself Allen Swapan".
Mizanur Rahman Aryan won the Best Director (critics' choice) award for Unish20.
Afran Nisho's win as Best Antagonist (critic's choice) for Sharey Showlo was an unexpected delight.
"One of the directors here told me not to hope for an award and go home. Thank god I stayed. I am thankful to the Guti team."
He dedicated the award to his mentor, the legendary Humayun Faridee, as he did in case of his many previous awards.
Ashfaque Nipun was awarded Best Director, drama/series (popular choice), for Mohanagar-2, while Raihan Rafi was Best Director, film, for 'Friday'.
Accepting the award, Nipun expressed his gratitude to the audience and dedicated the award to those who sacrificed their lives during the July uprising.
"This is the third award I received on this stage, and it means a lot to me. Every award is a recognition and a proof that I am doing something right in my career."
Rafi shared his experience, saying, "I tried to experiment with OTT platforms and feel good about working in this space. I always strive to bring out innovative ideas through my work."
Renowned actor Nasir Uddin Khan was named Best Actor Male (critics' choice), while Nazia Haque Orsha won the Best Actor Female.
Nasir dedicated his award to the production team of 'Myself Allen Swapan'.
The ceremony was followed by a performance by Pritom Hasan & Band, which also featured the talents of Beatmosphere.
The night ended on a high with Myself Allen Swapan winning the People's Choice Best Content of the Year (2023).
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