This was announced here today by film-maker TV Chandran, chairman of the Jury that selected the awardee. The Jury comprised actress Vidhubala, director B Unnikrishnan and culture department secretary V Venu. Appachan, as M C Punnoose is known in the film industry, had produced several mega hit Malayalam movies under the banner of 'Navodaya Productions' and directed some of them.
He had several `firsts' to his credit in Mollywood, being the maker of the first cinemascope movie (Thacholi Ambu), first 70 mm film (Padayottam) and the first 3D film (My Dear Kuttichathan) in Malayalam.
Appachan was also the producer of the megaserial `Bible Ki Kahaniyaan' on Doordarshan.
The JC Daniel award, the highest honour of the government in the film field, carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, citation and a plaque.