‘Green Bones’ Triumphs at the 50th MMFF Awards Night: A Celebration of Cinematic Excellence

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The 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Awards Night was a star-studded affair celebrating the finest in Philippine cinema, with the prison drama ‘Green Bones’ emerging as the night’s biggest winner. Held in grand fashion, the milestone edition of the MMFF highlighted powerful performances, exceptional storytelling, and technical brilliance, cementing the festival's legacy as a cornerstone of Filipino filmmaking.

‘Green Bones’ Dominates the Spotlight

Directed by acclaimed filmmakers Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza, ‘Green Bones’ took home five major awards, including the coveted Best Picture trophy. Dennis Trillo delivered a masterful performance, earning him the Best Actor award, while Ruru Madrid shone in his supporting role, securing Best Supporting Actor. Rising star Sienna Stevens claimed the Best Child Performer title, adding to the film's impressive haul. Additionally, the film's screenplay, crafted by Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza, won Best Screenplay, highlighting the gripping narrative that captivated audiences and critics alike.

‘The Kingdom’ Shines Bright with Multiple Accolades

Following closely behind was ‘The Kingdom,’ which earned the 2nd Best Picture award and a well-deserved Best Director win for Michael Tuviera. The film also bagged Best Production Design, Best Visual Effects, and the prestigious Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award, recognizing its cultural significance and artistic impact.

Judy Ann Santos Steals Hearts with ‘Espantaho’

Veteran actress Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo once again proved her acting prowess, taking home the Best Actress award for her riveting performance in ‘Espantaho.’ Her portrayal brought emotional depth and authenticity to the film, earning her the admiration of audiences and critics alike.

Vice Ganda and Seth Fedelin: Special Recognitions or Pampalubag Loob Awards

Comedian and box-office star Vice Ganda received the Gender Sensitivity Award and a Special Jury Citation for the thought-provoking film ‘And the Breadwinner Is…’ Meanwhile, young actor Seth Fedelin had his moment of glory with the Breakthrough Performance Award for his role in ‘My Future You,’ a film that also secured 3rd Best Picture, Best Editing, and a shared Best Director award with Michael Tuviera.

‘Isang Himala’ Celebrates Musical and Dramatic Excellence

The poignant drama ‘Isang Himala’ took home five awards, including 4th Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress for Kakki Teodoro, Best Musical Score for Vincent de Jesus, Best Original Theme Song, and a Special Jury Prize. The film’s emotional weight and musical brilliance resonated deeply with the audience.

Technical Excellence and Special Mentions

Best Sound went to Ditoy Aguila for ‘Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital.’

Best Float was awarded to ‘Topakk’ and ‘Uninvited.’

‘Topakk’ also earned a Special Jury Prize and the FPJ Memorial Award for its outstanding contribution to Philippine action cinema.

Student Short Films Take Center Stage

The festival also spotlighted young talent with awards for Student Short Films:

Best Student Short Film: ‘Saan Aabot ang 50 Pesos Mo?’ (University of Makati)

2nd Best Student Short Film: University of Malabon

3rd Best Student Short Film: University of the Philippines Mindanao

A Golden Milestone for Philippine Cinema

The 50th MMFF Awards Night not only honored the best films of the year but also showcased the creativity, passion, and resilience of the Filipino film industry. From socially relevant narratives to groundbreaking technical achievements, this year’s festival proved once again why the MMFF remains a pillar of Philippine culture.

As the curtains closed on the night of glitz, glamour, and heartfelt celebration, ‘Green Bones’ stood tall as a symbol of excellence, reminding us all of the power of storytelling in shaping hearts and minds.

Complete List of Winners:

Best Picture: ‘Green Bones’

2nd Best Picture: ‘The Kingdom’

3rd Best Picture: ‘My Future You’

4th Best Picture: ‘Isang Himala’

Best Director: Crisanto Aquino (‘My Future You’), Michael Tuviera (‘The Kingdom’)

Best Actor: Dennis Trillo (‘Green Bones’)

Best Actress: Judy Ann Santos (‘Espantaho’)

Best Supporting Actor: Ruru Madrid (‘Green Bones’)

Best Supporting Actress: Kakki Teodoro (‘Isang Himala’)

Best Child Performer: Sienna Stevens (‘Green Bones’)

Breakthrough Performance: Seth Fedelin (‘My Future You’)

Special Jury Prize: ‘Topakk’ and ‘Isang Himala’

Gender Sensitivity Award: ‘And the Breadwinner Is…’

Best Screenplay: Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza (‘Green Bones’)

Best Musical Score: Vincent de Jesus (‘Isang Himala’)

Best Sound: Ditoy Aguila (‘Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital’)

Best Original Theme Song: ‘Ang Himala ay Nasa Puso’ (‘Isang Himala’)

Best Editing: Vanessa Ubas de Leon (‘My Future You’)

Best Cinematography: Neil Daza (‘Green Bones’)

Best Production Design: Nestor Abrogena (‘The Kingdom’)

Best Visual Effects: Riot Inc (‘The Kingdom’)

Best Float: ‘Topakk’ and ‘Uninvited’

FPJ Memorial Award: ‘Topakk’

Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award: ‘The Kingdom’

As we look ahead, the future of Philippine cinema shines brighter than ever, with stories like ‘Green Bones’ setting a new standard for excellence.

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