The LGBT film Rainbow's Sunset emerged as the Best Picture during the awards night of the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival.
The 8 official entries that competed this year were: Aurora; Fantastica; Jack Em Popoy: The PulisCredibles; Mary, Marry Me; One Great Love; The Girl in the Orange Dress; Rainbow's Sunset; and Otlum.
The awards night of the 44th edition of MMFF took place earlier tonight, December 27, at The Theatre at Solaire.
Joel Lamangan, who won as Best Director for Rainbow's Sunset, made this appeal on behalf of artists: "Sana naman, huwag lang komersyo ang kanilang isipin. Irespeto rin sana ng mga sinehan ang sining at industriya."
Writer Gina Marissa Tagasa read a message from Mother Lily Monteverde and Roselle Monteverde of Regal Entertainment asking for "fair treatment" of all movies. They asked that all MMFF entries receive the same number of cinemas across the Philippines.
Harlene Bautista, a producer of Rainbow's Sunset, asked for more cinemas because she said their film deserves it.
Phoebe Villamor cried as she accepted her Best Child Performer award for her role in Aurora.
However, people laughed when she made the mistake of thanking Vic Sotto instead of Viva Artists Agency head honcho Vic Del Rosario.
WHO'S THE MMFF BEST ACTRESS?
Gloria Romero of Rainbow's Sunset was named as MMFF 2018 Best Actress for her portrayal of a woman, whose husband comes out of the closet after being married to her for several decades. She won the same award from the festival in 2000 for the movie Tanging Yaman. The 85-year-old actress has been in the business since 1952, and has starred in over 200 movie and television projects.
Back to the winners of MMFF 2018, here's the complete list.
Best Picture - Rainbow's Sunset
2nd Best Picture - Aurora
3rd Best Picture - One Great Love
Best Actress - Gloria Romero (Rainbow's Sunset)
Best Actor - Dennis Trillo (One Great Love)
Best Supporting Actress - Aiko Melendez (Rainbow's Sunset)
Best Supporting Actor - Tony Mabesa (Rainbow's Sunset)
FPJ Memorial Award - Jack Em Popoy: The PulisCredibles
Gat Puno J. Villegas Cultural Award - Rainbow's Sunset
Special Jury Prize - Eddie Garcia (Rainbow's Sunset)
Jury Prize - Max Collins (Rainbow's Sunset)
Best Director - Joel Lamangan (Rainbow's Sunset)
Male and Female Lucky Star of the Night - Jericho Rosales and Anne Curtis
Best Child Performer - Phoebe Villamor (Aurora)
Best Cinematography - Aurora
Best Visual Effects - Aurora
Best Production Design - Rainbow's Sunset
Best Sound Design - Aurora
Best Musical Score - One Great Love
Best Original Theme Song - "Sa 'yo Na" (Rainbow's Sunset)
Best Editing - Jack Em Popoy: The PulisCredibles
Best Screenplay - Rainbow's Sunset
MMFF Student Best Short Film - Kasilyas (Bulacan State University)
Best Float - Jack Em Popoy: The PulisCredibles
The 44th edition of MMFF will end on January 7, 2019.