Legendary cinematographer V.K. Murthy, best remembered for his work in Guru Dutt Films, received a standing ovation at the 56th National Film Awards ceremony on Friday when he was conferred the Dada Saheb Phalke Award for 2008 by President Pratibha Patil.

Tamil ace director Bala received the Best Director's Award for his much-appreciated Naan Kadavul. The filmmaker said this was one of the happiest moments in his life since he was honoured by the first citizen of the country. “Getting selected for a National Award is not an ordinary thing. I feel honoured and it is time for me to ensure that I work hard in the future too,” he added.

Overall, Bollywood films ruled the 56th National award list, bagging as many as 13 awards in various categories. Fashion, Rock On!, Firaaq and Jodha Akbar won two awards each in various categories. A Wednesday, Roadside Romeo, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, Mumbai Meri Jaan and Thanks Maa won one each. Bengali film Antaheen won the best feature film award plus three more.  Priyanka Chopra won the best actress award for Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion; Kangana Ranaut got the best supporting actress for the same film. Farhan Akhtar's Rock On! got the best Hindi film award. Actor Arjun Rampal won the best supporting actor for the film too, while the best actor's award wnt to Upendra Limaye for the Marathi film Jogva.