The historical movie, “Heneral Luna”, won the most number of trophies, including best picture, best director for Jerrold Tarog, best actor for John Arcilla in the title role and best supporting actor for Nonie Buencamino. It also won the technical awards for best sound, best musical score, best editing, best production, best cinematography and best screenplay. Tarrog is the most awarded person that night as he also did the musical score, cinematography and script (co-writer) of “Heneral Luna”.
Bea Alonso (a no show) won as best actress for “The Love Affair” while best supporting actress is noted theatre actress Ana Abad Santos for “Apocalypse Child”.
Special awards were given to Jaclyn Jose in recognition of her having won the best actress award at the last Cannes International Filmfest, the FPJ Lifetime Achievement Award to Director Emmanuel Borlaza for his contributions to local cinema, the Lamberto Avellana Memorial Award to the late Sampaguita Pictures producer (Mrs. Azucena “Nene” Vera Perez (accepted by her daughter Manay Ichu), and the Manuel de Leon Award for Exemplary Achievements to Director Herminio “Butch” Bautista (who’s currently confined at the Philippine Heart Center.)
A highlight of the evening is the Golden Reel Award given to Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos who was there to receive her trophy in person. She said in her acceptance speech: 'Gusto ko lang ipaalam, sa inyong lahat na lagi kong sinasabi sa interviews ko bilang isang public servant, na hindi ko mararating kung nasaan man ako ngayon kundi po dahil sa industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino. Kahit na ako ay isang Congresswoman na, mahigit kalahati ng puso ko ay nasa industriya pa rin ng Pelikulang Pilipino. Malaki po ang ibig sabihin ng award or recognition na ibinigay sa akin ngayon kasi ang ibig sabihin lang nito ay hindi ninyo ako nalilimutan kahit sa ngayon ay nagsisilbi rin ako sa ibang field na, bilang isang public servant.”The current director general of the Film Academy is Leo Martinez. Kudos for reviving the FAP or Luna Awards but we hope you’ll involve the entertainment press next time so we can help generate more public interest for your activities.
