Screen Award was instituted in 1994 by Screen Weekly. The Screen Awards are different from other "popularity" awards; the entire nomination and selection for the Screen Awards is done by a panel of distinguished professionals from the industry itself, in a manner similar to that of the Oscars. And the criterion for winning is professional excellence, not just popular view. A Screen Award is thus considered the toughest award to win and is therefore 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.

Nominations for the 12th Star Screen Awards have been announced. The awards, scheduled for 11 January, will rank the best of Bollywood in 26 categories, telecasted on Star Plus on 15 January.

This year, the awards have been themed as 'Amchi Mumbai.'