Speaking on the occasion,Mr. Bertolucci recalled his association with the movies since the sixties and said that the movies prior to the seventies were monologues ,while those after the period were dialogues. Commenting on the reason for his making movies, he said,"maybe through cinema you can analyse the society, try to find different meaning to the values of the society - making a movie could also be the search of pleasure for me." A visibly moved Bertolucci thanked the Governement of India for honouring him with the Lifetime achievement award. The award is instituted to be given to a foreign personality for his or her outstanding contribution to film making.

    The Italian Ambassador, Mr. Gaitano Zuccoui who also spoke on the occasion felt that cinema is an art form that makes the greatest impact and hoped that this award would spur Mr. Bertolucci to make more master pieces.

    In his welcome speech, the Secretary to the Government of India, Shri P.G.Mankad, said Mr. Bertolucci created a powerful and rich body of cinematic work, transcending the barriers of language, geography and cultural differences. He said that it is a matter of great pleasure for the Government of India to confer the first Lifetime Achievement Award on Mr. Bertolucci at a time when the millennium draws to a close. Shri Mankad said cinema holds a special place in the lives of Indian people. He said that cinema has successfully countered the challenges from Television and Video and has proved to be a tremendous binding force for India.

    Earlier, the Chief minister of Andhra Pradesh presented a momento to mr. Bertolucci and a shawl to Mr. Bertolucci and also Mrs. Claire Peploe Bertolucci. Shri A. Madhava Reddy, Minister for Home Affairs and Cinematography, Government of Andhra Pradesh was also present on the occasion. The award ceremony was followed by the screening of Mr.Bertolucci’s latest film "BESIEGED".