The 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) held its awards night ("Gabi Ng Parangal") on December 27, 2024 at The Theater at Solaire in Parañaque. This year marks MMFF's 50th anniversary, celebrating Filipino films with ten official entries. Among the night's highlights were the much-anticipated announcements of the Golden Best Actor and Best Actress awards, recognitions given to Green Bones' Dennis Trillo and Espantaho's Judy Ann Santos.

For the Best Actor category, the other nominees were Vice Ganda (And the Breadwinner Is...), Seth Fedelin (My Future You), Vic Sotto (The Kingdom), Piolo Pascual (The Kingdom), and Arjo Atayde (Topakk). 

Dennis Trillo in Green Bones | Photo from GMA Pictures

In his acceptance speech, Dennis said, "Wow! Para akong aatakihin sa puso. Maraming salamat po dito sa karangalan na ito. Isang napakalaking karangalan na tumanggap ng isang napaka-espesyal na parangal sa harap ninyong lahat. Lagi ko pong sinasabi na ngayong araw ng kapaskuhan, ayaw ko na pong magpaka-stress sa pakikipagkumpitensya o pakikipagpagalingan sa kahit kanino man dahil pakiramdam namin panalo na kami nu'ng naipasok pa lang sa sampung entries dito sa 50th anniversary ng Metro Manila Film Fest ang Green Bones. Kaya palakpakan po natin ang mga sarili natin. Winners tayong lahat." 

He went on to thank MMFF, MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority), GMA Films, and the people who trusted and supported him, including his "number one supporter," his wife, actress Jennylyn Mercado. 

Dennis added, "Inaalay ko ang award na ito sa aking pamilya. Sila po talaga ang nag-i-inspire sa akin para pagbutihin itong ginagawa ko na ito, na i-maximize itong opportunity na ibinibigay sa akin. Maraming salamat po. Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ito. Thank you. Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino!"

In the drama film Green Bones, Dennis is Domingo Zamora, a soon-to-be-released criminal who was accused of murdering his sister. Green Bones, directed by Zig Dulay, also won Best Picture, Best Screenplay (Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza), Best Child Performer (Sienna Stevens), Best Cinematography (Neil Daza), and Best Supporting Actor (Ruru Madrid). 

Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo in Espantaho | Photo from Quantum Films

The Best Actress nominee lineup was equally powerful, with Judy Ann sharing the spotlight with Aicelle Santos (Isang Himala), Francine Diaz (My Future You), Jane de Leon (Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital), Julia Montes (Topakk), and Vilma Santos (Uninvited). In the end, the award went to Judy Ann, whose role in the horror film Espantaho is Monet, who mourns the death of their family patriarch alongside her mother Rosa (Lorna Tolentino); the movie explores traditional funeral rituals while tackling family issues such as division of properties and inheritance following her father's passing. 

Judy Ann began and wrapped up her acceptance speech by thanking everyone who helped make this victory happen: MMFF, the Espantaho team (including director Chito S. Roño, screenwriter Chris Martinez, and her castmates), as well as her own team. 

"Acting is reacting. Naniniwala akong hindi ko magagawa ang trabaho ko kung hindi dahil sa inyo," she said. "Sa lahat po ng kasama sa MMFF, sa sampung napakagagandang pelikula, du'n pa lang, panalo na tayong lahat. Of course, this award is for my inspiration, my life, my rock, my husband Ryan; to my three beautiful babies, Yohan, Lucho, and Luna; to my mom, my brother, and my sister; and to dear Lord, thank you po. Hindi ko naisip na makakarating ako dito. Sa lahat po ng kapwa ko nominado, para sa ating lahat ito. To God be the glory. Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino. Merry Christmas, everyone."

Lead photos from GMA Pictures and Quantum Films