Film and TV stars Dingdong Dantes, Tony Labrusca, Paolo Contis, and Glaiza de Castro, as well as senior actors Tony Mabesa, Ricky Davao, Tirso Cruz III, and Cherie Gil celebrated their nominations at the 3rd edition of EDDYS Awards.
Organized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), the annual glittery bash, in partnership with Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) led by its chairperson CEO Liza Diño, was held on Saturday at Annabel’s Restaurant on Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City.
“Award giving bodies, especially EDDYS, are very important for actors and film workers for its the only opportunity that they get some sort of validation, something that boosts their morale,” said Diño during her speech.
The Nominees’ Night, a run-up to the much-anticipated event celebrating the creatives, talented artists, and film workers who were nominated in the EDDYS Awards 2019, was also attended by film directors Joel Lamangan and Kip Oebanda.
The evening’s guests also included representatives and executives from production outfits nominated in the technical awards.
Meanwhile, the big night will happen on July 14 at New Frontier Theater (formerly KIA Theater) and will be telecast on Cignal TV’s Colours Channel on July 21.
Cignal TV is one of the major sponsors/presenters of the 3rd EDDYS while Echo Jham Entertainment, led by director Calvin Neria, is in charge of the production.
Among the nominees in the Best Picture category are Citizen Jake, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, Liway, Rainbow’s Sunset, and Signal Rock.
In the Best Director race, Chito Roño (Signal Rock), Jerrold Tarog (Goyo), Joel Lamangan (Rainbow’s Sunset), Kip Oebanda (Liway), at Mike de Leon (Citizen Jake) are vying for the coveted award.
Up for the Best Actress plum are Angelica Panganiban (Exes Baggage), Glaiza de Castro (Liway), Gloria Romero (Rainbow’s Sunset), Judy Ann Santos (Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes), Kathryn Bernardo (The Hows of Us), Nadine Lustre (Never Not Love You) and Sarah Geronimo (Miss Granny).
Piolo Pascual (Ang Panahon ng Halimaw), Carlo Aquino (Exes Baggage), Christian Bables (Signal Rock), Daniel Padilla (The Hows of Us), Dingdong Dantes (Sid & Aya: Not a Love Story), Paolo Contis (Through Night & Day) and Eddie Garcia (Rainbow’s Sunset) are competing for the Best Actor trophy.
Apart from the major acting and technical awards, six special awards will be given out during the big night: The Joe Quirino Award will be handed to TV-radio host-columnist Cristy Fermin; Manny Pichel Award will be given to entertainment columnist and talent manager Ethel Ramos; Rising Producers’ Circle will be awarded to Spring Films and T-Rex Entertainment; Producer of the Year will go to Star Cinema; Lifetime Achievement Award will be received by Elwood Perez; and a recognition will be given posthumously to the late Comedy King, Dolphy.
Carrying on the tradition of paying tribute to movie stars who have made an indelible mark in the industry through their significant bodies of work, this year’s Icon Awards will be conferred upon Amalia Fuentes, Tirso Cruz III, Christopher de Leon, Joseph Estrada, Eddie Gutierrez, Anita Linda, Dante Rivero, Celia Rodriguez, Vilma Santos, and Lorna Tolentino.
As SPEEd joins in the celebration of the 100 years of Philippine Cinema, the group will also honor some of the industry’s “unsung heroes” who work behind the camera. This segment of the awards night will be anchored by TV host-journalist Lourd de Veyra.
“We are formally launching it in September but as early as now a lot of institutions have been giving tribute to our film workers and actors to celebrate it. In the last one hundred years, films have been part of our lives. And we are here in the midst of people who have made these beautiful films possible,” Diño said of the much-anticipated centennial celebration.
The EDDYS aims to encourage local filmmakers, producers, writers, and actors to continue pursuing their passion for creating films that mirror the realities of our society.
The SPEEd is made up of entertainment editors of newspapers and tabloids circulated daily nationwide.
The non-profit organization, established in 2015, is led by Ian F. Farinas as president and Isah V. Red as chairman emeritus.