MANILA, 13 May — Actresses Rosanna Roces and Assunta de Rossi emerged as this year’s top acting winners during the 25th anniversary of the Gawad Urian, awards handed by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino. The awards night concluded Saturday night.
Roces won for her strong and convincing portrayal of an underworld character in La Vida Rosa while de Rossi duplicated the feat she won at the controversial 2001 Metro Manila Film Festival for Hubog (Shape).
The best actress tie was awarded by the 1995 best actress winners Nora Aunor and Helen Gamboa who both essayed the role of domestic helper Flor Contemplacion, the maid who was hanged in Singapore.
Roces cried in her speech, her first in seven years.
Joel Torre was adjudged best actor for Batang Westside, the film which won the best picture trophy. Batang Westside was shot in New York City and has a running time of 5 hours. Its director Lav Diaz won the best director honors.
The film that delves into the sad plight of Asians in the United States swept the remaining awards including best supporting actress for Gloria Diaz and best supporting actor for Raul Arellano.
Also honored were the 10 best Filipino films as per the Urian standard in 25 years.
The films are Himala, Batch 81, Nunal Sa Tubig, Insiang, Kisapmata, Maynila Sa Kuko Ng Liwanag, Ganito Kami Noon Paano Kayo Ngayon?, Manila By Night.
Held at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, the awards night was attended by the biggest names in the film industry, except the no-show Sharon Cuneta and Lipa Mayor Vilma Santos. Cuneta was in Hong Kong for her show.
Movie action king Fernando Poe Jr. was awarded the life achievement award.
Batang Westside won earlier at the Cine Manila International Festival as best progressive film while its four actor won the best actor trophies.
The same film likewise won raves in the just concluded Singapore Film Festival.
Ironically, Batang Westside is yet to be shown at the country’s commercial cinemas as theaters refused to exhibit the film due to its length.
