Blockbuster actor John Lloyd Cruz has added yet another feather on his cap by bringing home his second Gawad Urian Best Actor trophy for his performance in the film Honor Thy Father.
Cruz’s compelling performance as a father out to do whatever it takes to save his family bested other seasoned actors, like John Arcilla, Ricky Davao, Jericho Rosales, Dennis Trillo, Sid Lucero and Lou Veloso in same category in last Friday’s award’s night at KIA Theater.
The first collaboration between Cruz and ace director Erik Matti also earned him a Best Actor nomination in the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival.
“This one [Honor Thy Father] gave me the opportunity to be enlightened by my own choices. This film taught me how to better understand and encourage my desires as an actor. This film taught me that it’s okay to be different,” he added.
While he was no stranger to be nominated in Urian, Cruz was noticed for his great performance in 2010 for the movie, In My Life.
“Naniniwala po ako na there’s more in hard work, patience, perseverance and timing. Maraming salamat ho sa lahat ng Manunuri na bumubuo ng Gawad Urian for this exceptional award,” he said.
Cruz’s first brush with an Urian award was in 2006 when he was nominated as Best Supporting Actor for his stunning performance in the film Dubai opposite Aga Muhlach and Claudine Barretto.
The prized actor’s success came a few months after his first independent film with Lav Diaz earned the Silver Bear Alfred Bauer Prize at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival.
Speaking of the film, the talented actor is set to fly to New York soon to receive the Star Asia Award from the 15th New York Asian Film Festival.
One of Star Magic’s pride, he is the first Filipino and Southeast Asian actor to receive the honor. He joins Hong Kong’s Miriam Yeung and South Korea’s Lee Byung-hun – all box office stars in their own countries – as this year’s recipients of the prestigious award.
As a follow up to the success of their first collaboration together, Cruz is currently finishing another film with Diaz titled, Ang Babaeng Humayo, together with no less than ABS-CBN’s very own former president Charo Santos-Concio as part of the cast.