The highly anticipated Meril-Prothom Alo Awards 2022 took to centre stage on Friday evening at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center's Hall of Fame in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. This star-studded event brought together luminaries from the entertainment world, making the occasion an unforgettable one.

The event commenced with a welcome address from Prothom Alo Associate Editor Anisul Hoque. Following his remarks, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman and Square Group Managing Director Anjan Chowdhury took to the stage, setting the tone for an evening of glitz and glamour.

Eminent singer Syed Abdul Hadi was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award at the event which was presented to him by noted singer Runa Laila.

"I have always longed for love and respect, and this award gave me both," said Hadi, the five-time National Film Award winner.

He was handed over a cheque worth Tk 2 lacs, which he donated to Prothom Alo trust.

Prominent faces of the industry, including Jayanta Chattopadhyay, Tariq Anam Khan, Nima Rahman, Chanchal Chowdhury, Runa Khan, Azmeri Haque Badhan, Bidya Sinha Mim, Mehazabien Chowdhury, Sabila Nur, Puja Chery, Pritom Hasan, and Xefer graced the event.

In the popular choice category, Bidya Sinha Mim won the Best Film Actress Award for her outstanding portrayal of Ananya in "Poran", while Chanchal Chowdhury bagged the Best Film Actor Award for his exceptional performance in "Hawa".

In the category -- Television Drama, Limited Feature Film, Digital Medium, TV Series, and Web Series --  Mehazabien and Afran Nisho were awarded Best Actress and Best Actor (popular) for "Punorjonmo 3", respectively. Meanwhile, Nazia Haque Orsha received Best Actress (critics) for "Galiber Prem O Boshonter Kabbo". Chorki flick "Araal" won three awards- Pritom  received Best Actor (critics) for "Araal", Nazmul Nobin for Best Director ( critics) and Best Scriptwriter Al- amin Hasan Nirjhar. 

Coming to the Critics' segment, Mejbaur Rahman Sumon bagged The Best Film Director Award for his directorial debut "Hawa" while Nazifa Tushi earned the Best Film Actress Award for playing Gulti in the film. The Best Actor title was claimed by Chanchal for his stellar performance in "Dui Diner Duniya".

"Shaaticap" claimed the Best Web Series Award while the Best Director (web series) was awarded to Nuhash Humayun for Pett Kata Shaw.