The 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) celebrated the brilliance of Filipino cinema during its Gabi ng Parangal held at the Solaire Resort on December 27, showcasing exceptional talent and storytelling.
This year's coveted Best Picture award was clinched by GMA Pictures' "Green Bones," which garnered six awards, including Best Actor for Dennis Trillo and Best Supporting Actor for Ruru Madrid. The drama, directed by Zig Dulay, not only received accolades for its compelling narrative but also solidified its place as a top contender within the festival’s historical lineup.
Alongside "Green Bones," the top awards were shared by several noteworthy films, including "The Kingdom" and "My Future You," which were honored as 2nd and 3rd Best Picture, respectively. Judy Ann Santos, who delivered what many considered a career-defining performance, won Best Actress for her role in "Espantaho." Meanwhile, "Isang Himala," featuring powerful performances from its cast, was awarded 4th Best Picture, with Kakki Teodoro taking home Best Supporting Actress.
The night also recognized Vice Ganda with the Special Jury Citation for his notable work in "And The Breadwinner Is...", acknowledging his efforts as both a performer and advocate for contemporary issues, which earned him the Gender Sensitivity Award due to the film's commitment to promote gender awareness.
The awards were particularly sweet for GMA Pictures as this marks their second consecutive year of winning Best Picture, following last year's success with "Firefly." Annette Gozon-Valdes, Senior Vice President of GMA Network, expressed gratitude toward the festival's organizers and fellow filmmakers during her acceptance speech, emphasizing unity and the dedication behind creating impactful stories. "We’d like to thank the 50th year of MMFF for this Best Picture award... We hope people listen to these wonderful stories," Gozon-Valdes stated.
For director Zig Dulay, winning the Best Picture award serves as motivation to continue crafting films with meaningful messages. "Ang pagkilalang ito ay magsisilbing inspirasyon para sa amin para gumawa pa ng mas maraming pelikula," he remarked, conveying his commitment to inspiring audiences through cinema.
The complete list of winners reflects the diversity and talent within the Philippine film industry:
- Best Picture: "Green Bones"
- 2nd Best Picture: "The Kingdom"
- 3rd Best Picture: "My Future You"
- 4th Best Picture: "Isang Himala"
- Best Actress: Judy Ann Santos from "Espantaho"
- Best Actor: Dennis Trillo from "Green Bones"
- Best Supporting Actress: Kakki Teodoro from "Isang Himala"
- Best Supporting Actor: Ruru Madrid from "Green Bones"
- Best Director: Crisanto Aquino for "My Future You" and Michael Tuviera for "The Kingdom"
- Best Child Performer: Sienna Stevens from "Green Bones"
- Breakthrough Performance: Seth Fedelin from "My Future You"
- Best Screenplay: "Green Bones"
- Best Float: "Uninvited" and "Topakk"
- Best Cinematography: "Green Bones"
- Best Editing: "My Future You"
- Best Production Design: "The Kingdom"
- Best Sound Design: "Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital"
- Best Original Theme Song: Juan Karlos’ "Ang Himala Ay Nasa Puso" from "Isang Himala"
- Best Musical Score: "Isang Himala"
- Best Visual Effects: "The Kingdom"
- Special Jury Citation: Vice Ganda from "And The Breadwinner Is..."
- Gender Sensitivity Award: "And The Breadwinner Is..."
- Special Jury Prize: "Topakk" and "Isang Himala"
- MMFF Lifetime Achievement Award: Joseph “Erap” Ejercito-Estrada
- Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence: "Topakk"
- Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award: "The Kingdom"
Since its establishment in 1975, the MMFF has been instrumental in elevATING the Philippine film industry, providing filmmakers with the platform to showcase their stories during the holiday season.
