Instituted in 1994 by Screen Weekly and sponsored till 2001 by Videocon International Limited, the Screen Awards are different from other "popularity" awards; the entire nomination and selection for the Screen Awards is done by a panel of distinguised professional from the industry itself—in a manner similar to that of the Oscars. And the criteria for winning is proffesional excellence, not just popular view. A Screen Award is thus considered the toughest award to win and is therfore most coveted award in the industry.

The Awards for Hindi/Marathi films and TV and Non-film Music are presented Annually at a glittering function in January each year, at the Andheri Sports Complex, Mumbai. Seven editions of the awards have thus far been presented. For the regional cinema of South India. Screen has held three editions of the "Screen Awards for excellence in South Indian Cinema". The awards are presented for Tamil/ Telugu/ Malayalam/ Kannada Cinema.

The Screen Award has been the only Awards ceremony in India which has been graced by the presence of the Executive Director and the Governor of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, (known as the Oscars)

Awards

Popular Awards

* Best Film
* Best Director
* Best Actor
* Best Actress
* Best Supporting Actor
* Best Supporting Actress
* Best Villain
* Best Comedian
* Best Music Director
* Best Lyricist
* Best Male Playback
* Best Female Playback
* Lifetime Achievement
* Most Promising Newcomer - Male
* Most Promising Newcomer - Female

Special Awards

* Jodi No. 1
* Jury Award

Technical Awards

* Best Art Direction
* Best Action
* Best Cinematographer
* Best Editing
* Best Choreography
* Best Story
* Best Screenplay
* Best Dialogue
* Best Sound Recording