MANILA, Philippines—There are too many award-giving bodies in the country.
Who's complaining? The president of the oldest awards group in the country—the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (Famas). "The industry is suffering from an awards fatigue," explained Angelo Padua. "This year's Famas was pushed back for a month because the producer couldn't get sponsors."
The movie press has two groups giving awards—PMPC Star and Enpress Golden Screen. There are critics- and academe-based awards—Urian, Young Critics' Circle, Gawad Tanglaw and Pasado; the Film Academy of the Philippines' Luna Awards. Four years ago, a Famas breakaway group attempted to hand out its own trophies, the Maria Clara.
Padua said the 58th Famas Awards will definitely be held on December 13 at Teatro GSIS. This year's nominees include independent productions. Brillante Mendoza's "Kinatay" is vying for Best Director and Actor (Coco Martin). Ronaldo Bertubin's "Last Viewing" is in the running for Best Actress (Janice de Belen), Child Actress (Mara Panganiban) and Story (Bertubin and Romulado Avellanosa).
Joel Lamangan's "Dukot" and "Sagrada Familia" compete for Best Picture, Director, Actress (Iza Calzado, "Dukot"; Lovi Poe, "Sagrada"), Actor (Allen Dizon, "Dukot"), Supporting Actress (Gina Alajar, "Dukot"; Gloria Diaz, "Sagrada"), Supporting Actor (Robert Arevalo, "Dukot"; Emilio Garcia, "Sagrada").
Neal Tan's "Tulak" is vying for Best Supporting Actor (Fanny Serrano) and Child Actor (JP Mesde). Maryo J. de los Reyes' "Kamoteng Kahoy" is in the race for Best Child Actor (Nash Aguas, Buboy Villar) and Soxie Topacio's "Dead na si Lolo" for Supporting Actress (Manilyn Reynes) and Child Actor (BJ Forbes). Joyce Bernal's "Kimmy Dora" vies for Best Actress (Eugene Domingo) and Supporting Actress (Miriam Quiambao).
From mainstream movies: Best Actress—Sharon Cuneta ("Mano Po 6"), Sarah Geronimo ("You Changed My Life"), Angelica Panganiban ("I Love You Goodbye"); Best Actor—Gabby Concepcion ("I Love You"), John Lloyd Cruz ("In My Life," "You Changed"), Piolo Pascual ("Love Me Again"), Bong Revilla ("Ang Panday").
