Mikhail Red’s psychological film Deleter was named Best Picture at the 48th edition of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal held on Tuesday, December 27, at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.
The 31-year-old filmmaker edged out Shugo Praico (Nanahimik Ang Gabi), Lester Dimaranan (Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told), Joel Lamangan (My Father, Myself), and Paul Soriano (My Teacher) in the Best Director race.
The techno-horror film also took home the most number of trophies, earning the awards for Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, and Best Actress for Nadine Lustre.
Nadine, who walked home with her first MMFF Best Actress trophy, beat Heaven Peralejo of Nanahimik Ang Gabi, Ivana Alawi of Partners in Crime, and Toni Gonzaga of My Teacher in the top acting category.
“We’re all happy that Filipino films are returning,” Nadine, who wore a figure-hugging caramel-tone long gown, said in her acceptance speech.
“I dedicate this award to my family, my friends who continuously support me, my boyfriend Chris, my Viva family, and Deleter team,” the actress, who was also named Female Star of the Night, went on.
Meanwhile, Nanahimik Ang Gabi star Ian Veneracion was named Male Star of the Night, but his biggest win was his first Best Actor plum.
“I’ve been in the movie industry for 40 years and this is the first time I received a Best Actor award,” Ian said. “First of all, all of us here as artists, we create lives to tell the truth. Thanks to the genius Shugo Praico, my writer and director. This fictional movie has so many layers of truth underneath. I’d like to thank also my co-stars, si Mon Confiado and Heaven Peralejo.”
Nanahimik Ang Gabi also received several awards, including Third Best Picture, Best Musical Score, Best Production Design, and Best Supporting Actor for Mon Confiado.
Vilma Santos-Recto was honored with the Marichu Vera-Perez Memorial Award, while the film Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told received the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award.
Here’s the full list of winners:
Best Float: My Father, Myself
Best Child Performer: Shawn Niño Gabriel, My Father, Myself
Best Sound: Deleter
Best Musical Score: Greg Rodriguez III, Nanahimik Ang Gabi
Best Original Theme Song: “Ang Aking Mahal,” Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told
Best Visual Effects: Deleter
Best Production Design: Nananahimik Ang Gabi
Best Editing: Nikolas Red, Deleter
Best Cinematography: Deleter
Gender Sensitivity: My Teacher
Supporting Actress: Dimples Romana, My Father, Myself
Best Supporting Actor: Mon Confiado, Nanahimik Ang Gabi
Best Director: Mikhail Red, Deleter
Best Actor: Ian Veneracion, Nanahimik Ang Gabi
Best Actress: Nadine Lustre, Deleter
3rd Best Picture: Nanahimik Ang Gabi
2nd Best Picture: Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told
Best Picture: Deleter
Photos by Teddy Pelaez