51st MMFF Awards: I’mPerfect wins top prize, Manila’s Finest sweeps technical categories

The romance drama I’mPerfect won Best Picture at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal on Saturday night at Dusit Thani Manila in Makati. 

The film also earned Best Actress for Krystel Go and the Best Ensemble Award, and was praised for its inclusivity, featuring actors with Down syndrome. 

According to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Manila’s Finest dominated technical and cultural categories. It won Third Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Musical Score, Best Sound, Best Original Theme Song (“Sandalan”), Best Float, and the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award. 

Unmarry received Second Best Picture, along with Best Director for Jeffrey Jeturian, Best Supporting Actor for Tom Rodriguez, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, and Breakthrough Performance for Zack Sibug, MMDA reported. 

The other top winners included Best Actor Vice Ganda (Call Me Mother), Gender Sensitivity Award Call Me Mother, Best Supporting Actress Odette Khan (Bar Boys: After School), and Best Child Performer Lucas Andalio (Call Me Mother). Santelmo, Inc. Shake, Rattle, Roll: Evil Origins won Best Visual Effects, while Bar Boys: After School received the FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence. 

MMDA Chairman and MMFF Overall Chairman Atty. Don Artes said all eight official entries reached ₱1 million in gross receipts on opening day, marking a first in MMFF history. 

The awards night was hosted by Enchong Dee, KaladKaren, Maoui David, and Michael Sager, with performances by Sofronio Vasquez, Angela Muji, and Rabin Angeles.

-Nathalie Pagkatotohan/Paraluman News