In a dazzling celebration at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) concluded its 49th edition with the Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night) on December 27, 2023.
Gomburza emerged as the night's big winner, securing a total of 7 awards, including Best Director for Pepe Diokno, Best Cinematography, and Best Production Design. When I Met You in Tokyo and Mallari followed closely with 4 awards each, while Firefly earned 3 accolades. Becky and Badette received 2 awards, and Kampon and Family of Two each claimed 1.
The prestigious Best Picture award went to Firefly, showcasing its outstanding contribution to Philippine cinema. Other notable recognitions included Best Actor for Cedrick Juan (Gomburza) and Best Actress for Vilma Santos (When I Met You in Tokyo).
Special awards were also presented, honoring industry icons such as Lily Monteverde, who received the Marichu Veraperez Memorial Award, and Gomburza, which earned the Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award. When I Met You in Tokyo was granted the FPJ Memorial Award For Excellence.
Notably, films like Rewind, Broken Hearts Trip, and Penduko went without awards during this edition of the MMFF.
The 2023 MMFF, running from December 25, 2023, to January 7, 2024, continued its tradition of showcasing exclusively local films, excluding foreign productions from Philippine theaters.
- Article by Jerwin Quitaneg