The 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) honored this year’s outstanding films and artists during its prestigious Gabi ng Parangal on December 27, held at the Solaire Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City.
With an expanded lineup of 10 entries, the festival featured a diverse array of stories, including ‘Green Bones’, ‘And the Breadwinner Is…’, ‘Isang Himala’, ‘The Kingdom’, ‘Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital’, ‘Espantaho’, ‘Hold Me Close’, ‘My Future You’, ‘Topakk’, and ‘Uninvited’.
Veteran actor and public servant Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada received the MMFF Lifetime Achievement Award for his invaluable contributions to Philippine cinema. Estrada, who made history as the festival’s first Best Actor in 1975 for ‘Diligan Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa’, was recognized for his enduring impact on the industry.
Zig Dulay’s ‘Green Bones’ took home the coveted Best Picture award, alongside accolades for Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor for Dennis Trillo. The film’s emotionally charged narrative and technical excellence earned it widespread acclaim.
Comedian Vice Ganda received a Special Jury Citation for the film ‘And the Breadwinner Is…,’ which also bagged the Gender Sensitivity Award. Meanwhile, Judy Ann Santos was named Best Actress for her performance in Espantaho, and directors Crisanto Aquino (My Future You) and Michael Tuviera (The Kingdom) shared the Best Director award.
The Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award went to Topakk, while The Kingdom earned the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award for its cultural significance.
In collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the MMFF recognized young filmmakers in its student short film competition. The University of Makati’s Saan Aabot ang Singkwenta Pesos Mo? was named Best Student Short Film, with other winners hailing from City of Malabon University and the University of the Philippines Mindanao.
Full List of Winners
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada
- Best Float: Uninvited and Topakk
- Gender Sensitivity Award: And the Breadwinner Is…
- 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
- 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” (Isang Himala), by Vincent de Jesus and Ricky Lee
- 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
- 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
This year’s MMFF marked its 50th anniversary with the theme ‘Sinesigla sa Singkwenta’, showcasing the resilience and creativity of Filipino filmmakers. The festival, organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), runs nationwide from December 25, 2024, to January 7, 2025.
