MANILA, Philippines – A new set of winners was recognized at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival’s (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal held on Friday, December 27, at the Solaire Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City.
Similar to last year’s edition, MMFF 2024 had a loaded lineup of 10 entries instead of the usual eight. This year’s roster included And the Breadwinner Is…, Green Bones, Isang Himala, The Kingdom, Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital, Espantaho, Hold Me Close, My Future You, Topakk, and Uninvited.
Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada received the MMFF Lifetime Achievement Award. Estrada was the first-ever MMFF Best Actor awardee in 1975 for his performance in Diligan Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa.
MMFF also named the top three best student short films from the MMFF and Film Development Council of the Philippines’ student short film competition.
Green Bones by Zig Dulay took home the title of Best Picture. Dulay also directed 2023’s Best Picture, Firefly.
Here is the full list of winners:
- MMFF Lifetime Achievement Award: Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada
- Best Float: Uninvited and Topakk
- Gender Sensitivity: And the Breadwinner Is…
- 3rd Best Student Short Film: PNB 12-50 (University of the Philippines Mindanao)
- 2nd Best Student Short Film: A Delivery Rider (City of Malabon University)
- Best Student Short Film: Saan Aabot ang Singkwenta Pesos Mo? (University of Makati)
- Special Jury Prize: Inang Wak-Wak (Mindanao State University-General Santos)
- Best Visual Effects: The Kingdom (Riot Inc.)
- Best Child Performer: Sienna Stevens, 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” from Isang Himala, by Vincent de Jesus and Ricky Lee, interpreted by Juan Karlos
- Best Editing: Vanessa Ubas de Leon, My Future You
- Best Cinematography: Neil Daza, Green Bones
- Best Production Design: Nestor Abrogena, The Kingdom
- Best Supporting Actress: Kakki Teodoro, Isang Himala
- Best Supporting Actor: Ruru Madrid, Green Bones
- Breakthrough Performance Award: Seth Fedelin, My Future You
- Special Jury Citation: Vice Ganda
- Best Screenplay: Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza, Green Bones
- Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award: Topakk
- Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award: The Kingdom
- Best Actor: Dennis Trillo, Green Bones
- Best Actress: Judy Ann Santos, Espantaho
- Special Jury Prize: Topakk and Isang Himala
- Best Director: Crisanto Aquino, My Future You, and Michael Tuviera, The Kingdom
- 4th Best Picture: Isang Himala
- 3rd Best Picture: My Future You
- 2nd Best Picture: The Kingdom
- Best Picture: Green Bones
MMFF officially opened last December 25 and will run until January 7, 2025, in theaters nationwide. – Rappler.com
