MMFF 2023: ‘Firefly’ is Best Picture; ‘GomBurZa,’ ‘Mallari’ bag multiple awards

The winners of this year’s edition have been recognized.

On Wednesday, December 27, 2023, the Metro Manila Film Festival held its annual Gabi ng Parangal or Awards Night.

Big winners for this year is Zig Dulay’s ‘Firefly,’ got the night’s highest accolade as the Best Picture, alongside its Best Screenplay win and Best Child Performance for Euwenn Mikaell.

‘GomBurZa,’ meanwhile, won as the 2nd Best Picture, Best Actor for Cedrick Juan, Best Director for Pepe Diokno, Best Production Design, Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural awards.

Derick Cabrido’s dark flick ‘Mallari’ racked up the 3rd Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for JC Santos, Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, and Best Sound awards.

‘When I Met You in Tokyo’ is the 4th Best Picture, FPJ Memorial of Excellence awardee, and Best Float. ‘Star For All Seasons’ Vilma Santos also bagged her latest Best Actress trophy for her portrayal in the said movie.

Jun Robles Lana’s comedy film ‘Becky and Badette’ was hailed winner for the categories of Gender Sensitivity and Best Original Song (for ‘Finggah Lickin’).

There were solo wins for ‘Family of Two’ and ‘(K)Ampon’. This, as Miles Ocampo secured the Best Supporting Actress award for the former, while the latter got the nod for Best Editing.

Here is the complete list of winners:

• Best Picture: Firefly
• 2nd Best Picture: GomBurZa
• 3rd Best Picture: Mallari
• 4th Best Picture: When I Met You in Tokyo
• Best Actress: Vilma Santos (When I Met You in Tokyo)
• Best Actor: Cedrick Juan (GomBurZa)
• Best Supporting Actress: Miles Ocampo (Family of Two)
• Best Supporting Actor: JC Santos (Mallari)
• Best Director: Pepe Diokno (GomBurZa)
• Best Screenplay: Firefly
• FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence: When I Met You in Tokyo
• Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award: GomBurZa
• Gender Sensitivity Award: Becky and Badette
• Best Cinematography: GomBurZa
• Best Editing: (K)Ampon
• Best Production Design: GomBurZa
• Best Visual Effects: Mallari
• Best Original Song: “Fingah Lickin'” (Becky and Badette)
• Best Score: Mallari
• Best Sound: GomBurZa
• Best Child Performer: Euwenn Mikaell (Firefly)
• Best Float: When I Met You In Tokyo

The 49th Metro Manila Film Festival runs from December 25, 2023 until January 7, 2024.

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