The 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) recently held its annual Gabi ng Parangal, recognizing outstanding filmmaking talent among the 8 official film entries that competed head-on for this year’s festival.
The historic event celebrated the local film industry and the people behind it, with I’mPerfect emerging with the most prestigious award of the night as Best Picture, sealing its place at the top of this year’s MMFF entries. Next to claim victory is UnMarry, which won 2nd Best Picture, while Call Me Mother and Manila’s Finest tied for 3rd Best Picture.
Leading the night in total wins was Manila’s Finest, which dominated the technical and cultural categories with 8 awards including Best Cinematography, Best Musical Score, Best Original Theme Song, and the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award, a special award in honor of the former Manila mayor, given to the film that best portrays Filipino culture and people to the world.
Close behind was UnMarry, taking home 7 major awards, including by Best Director for Jeffrey Jeturian, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Tom Rodriguez.
History was also made as Krystel Go won Best Actress for her film debut as Jessica in I’mPerfect, becoming the first person with Down syndrome to receive the award. “Kaya rin po naming umarte (We can also act),” she shared in her acceptance speech, thanking everyone who provided her and her fellow artists the support they needed during the production of the film.
Joining in with the film festival’s firsts is Vice Ganda, who won Best Actor for his role as Twinkle Reyes in Call Me Mother and as the first openly queer actor to win the award. “It is possible. It is real. Queer people can be the best actors,” shared Vice in her message, thanking the awards program for being an inclusive platform for all artists.
Bar Boys: After School was also recognized with the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence, in memory of actor Fernando Poe Jr.
Below is the full list of winners at this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival:
Best Picture – I’mPerfect
2nd Best Picture – UnMarry
3rd Best Picture – Call Me Mother; Manila’s Finest
Best Director – Jeffrey Jeturian, UnMarry
Best Actor – Vice Ganda, Call Me Mother
Best Actress – Krystel Go, I’mPerfect
Jury Prize for Ensemble award – I’mPerfect
Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award – Manila’s Finest
Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence – Bar Boys: After School
Breakthrough Performance Award – Zack Sibug, UnMarry
Best Screenplay – Chris Martinez & Therese Cayaba, UnMarry
Best Supporting Actor – Tom Rodriguez, UnMarry
Best Supporting Actress – Odette Khan, Bar Boys: After School
Best Child Performer – Lucas Andalio, Call Me Mother
Best Cinematography – Raymond Red, Manila’s Finest
Best Original Theme Song – Vehnee Saturno’s Sandalan, Manila’s Finest
Best Musical Score – Frederik Sandoval & Emerzon Texon, Manila’s Finest
Best Editing – Benjo Ferrer, UnMarry
Best Production Design – Digo Ricio, Manila’s Finest
Best Visual Effects – Santelmo Inc., Shake, Rattle, & Roll: Evil Origins
Gender Sensitivity Award – Call Me Mother
Montessa Female Star of the Night – Bianca De Vera
Montessa Male Star of the Night – Will Ashley; Dustin Yu
Best Float – Manila’s Finest; UnMarry
The event was also graced with special performances of world-renowned artists like The Voice US Champion Sofronio Vasquez, who shared a world-class performance of “A Million Dreams. The stage was later taken by soul singer Jona, who gave a powerful tribute to National Artist in Film and Broadcast Ms. Nora Aunor.
Congratulations to all the winners! Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino!
Which MMFF film is your favorite so far? Let us know in the comments below!