Prison drama “Green Bones” was the big winner at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), capping off the “Gabi ng Parangal” with the coveted Best Picture award.
The victory was a consecutive triumph for GMA Films, which also won Best Picture last year with its entry, “Firefly.”
“This is historic for us. This is a very big achievement for GMA Pictures. It was really our aim to bring back the glory of the film studio. Twenty-five years ago, we won for Muro-Ami, and 26 years ago for Jose Rizal. That was back-to-back,” said GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs’ Nessa Valdellon during her acceptance speech.
The film also won Best Screenplay for National Artist Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza, Best Cinematography for Neil Daza, Best Actor for Dennis Trillo, Best Supporting Actor for Ruru Madrid, and Best Child Performer for Sienna Stevens.
“We dedicate this award to everyone who believes in the power of Filipino cinema,” said Green Bones’ Zig Dulay, who lost in the Best Director race to The Kingdom’s Michael Tuviera and My Future You’s Crisanto Aquino.
Judy Ann Santos’ major movie comeback was highlighted by her winning the Best Actress trophy for the horror drama “Espantaho.” She last won the award in 2019 for Brillante Mendoza’s “Mindanao.”
“It is truly a great privilege to receive this very special award in front of all of you. I’ve always said that during this Christmas season, I don’t want to stress over competition or trying to outdo anyone,” said Santos, who was up against heavy favorites Vilma Santos and Aicelle Santos in the Best Actress category.
Apart from Green Bones, The Kingdom also earned multiple awards, including the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Memorial Award, Best Visual Effects for Riot Inc., Best Production Design for Nestor Abrogena, and Second Best Picture.
Meanwhile, Topakk won the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award, Best Float, and a Special Jury Prize.
TV host and comedian Vice Ganda received a Special Jury Citation for “And The Bread Winner Is,” which also took home the Gender Sensitivity Award.
Former President Joseph Estrada, regarded as the “Father of the MMFF,” accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award. He was escorted by his sons, Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Jake Ejercito.
